A tribal judge and former Air Force lawyer has been selected be the top staff official of the professional organization for Arizona lawyers.
The State Bar of Arizona announced that its board chose Joel F. England to replace John F. Phelps as CEO and executive director of the nonprofit that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court.
England is currently chief judge of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court. He previously served 21 years in the Air Force, including a stint as general counsel for the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale.
Phelps announced in August that he is retiring.
The Bar said Phelps and England will work alongside beginning Jan. 2 until Feb. 1 when Phelps departs.
