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NMI lawyers impressed with Holder’s Guam presentation
Some lawyers in the CNMI joined a public forum with U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. yesterday in Guam via videoconference in the U.S. District Court for the NMI.
Less than 20 lawyers and other federal employees patiently waited in the district courtroom for the forum that was delayed for over an hour.
Despite the delay, CNMI lawyers enjoyed Holder’s presentation that lasted over an hour. The forum was held in the courtroom of U.S. District Court for Guam chief judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood.
U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and NMI Alicia Limtiaco and CNMI Bar Association president Sean Frink presented all the pre-screened questions to Holder, reportedly the first attorney general to visit the U.S. territory.
William Fitzgerald told Saipan Tribune after the forum that it was a great presentation as Holder is “really a warm guy.”
“I especially like his recollection when he was in Guam in the 1980’s. I know the case that he was working on at the time,” Fitzgerald said.
Holder recalled that in the 1980s he came as a lawyer to Guam at least thrice to work on four or five government corruption cases.
Holder said he worked with then U.S. Attorney Frederick Black in preparation of the cases.
“We were successful in the investigation and prosecution,” Holder said.
He said people in the Marianas region are known for their hospitality and generosity. “It was for me a great experience,” he added.
Russell Lorfing said the forum was an excellent opportunity for the legal community in the CNMI and Guam.
“And I thought that Judge Ramona Manglona and CNMI Bar Association president Sean Frink represented the CNMI in their interest very well. I’m excited to have this opportunity as a young attorney,” Lorfing said.
The lawyer said he finds it fascinating that Holder was on point about serving at the pleasure of the president. Lorfing said as the attorney general there has to have that partition.
“He has to be independent.regardless of what the president wants. He has to uphold the law. And I thought that’s fascinating. Even at that level, the AG recognizes the importance of that independent review separate from the executive,” Lorfing said.
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
