Attorney Audrey L. Thomas-Francis has been nominated to replace Territorial Court Judge Soraya Diase when Diase's extended term expires May 13.
Francis has been an assistant U.S. attorney for the Virgin Islands for 11 years and has handled both civil and criminal cases, according to a release Wednesday from Government House.
Diase has served one six-year term on the local bench. Her term was extended for 120 days to allow Gov. Charles W. Turnbull time to consider his options — an unusual move that suggested Turnbull wanted to replace her. Diase, more than other judges, has come under widespread criticism for her handling of family court and other cases.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, Francis was the legal counsel for the Economic Development and Agriculture Department, and was an associate with the law offices of Samuel H. Hall Jr.
Francis graduated cum laude from the University of the Virgin Islands. She went on to get her master's degree from the University of Connecticut and her law degree from Howard University.
Francis was a team attorney and adviser for four years on the Territorial Court's moot court competition.
Her nomination now must be confirmed by the Legislature.
