Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of Christian J. Bell, Utiki S. Laing, and Ashley B. Rahaman to Maricopa County Superior Court

Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of Christian J. Bell, Utiki S. Laing, and Ashley B. Rahaman to the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Judge Bell was appointed as a court commissioner in 2020, and has served in the Probate and Mental Health Department, as well as the Juvenile Department. He previously served in the Arizona Attorney General's Office and in the Phoenix City Prosecutor's Office, where he worked on both trial and appellate matters.

Judge Laing was appointed as a court commissioner in 2013. She has served in the court's Criminal Department since 2024 after previously being assigned to the Family Department where she served as presiding commissioner during her final year, Initial Appearance Court, and the Juvenile Department. Prior to her appointment as a commissioner, Judge Laing was a public defender in the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office.

Judge Rahaman was appointed as a court commissioner in 2021, and has served in the Criminal and Family Departments. She has also served on the court's Commissioner Hiring Committee and Judicial Executive Committee and has been the sole judicial officer overseeing the court's bond forfeiture calendar. Before becoming a commissioner, Judge Rahaman was in private practice, where she focused primarily on family law matters.

"I am proud to appoint these three highly qualified individuals to the bench," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Both prior to and throughout their service as court commissioners, they have each demonstrated not only strong legal abilities, but also a dedication to public service and bettering their communities. I am confident they will continue to serve the people of Arizona and Maricopa County well in the years to come."

The appointments are to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Judges Pamela H. Dunne and Tracey Westerhausen and the resignation of Judge Lisa S. Wahlin.

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