This year, in commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court awards the Hustisia Award to Michael A. White.
The Supreme Court Hustisia Award is given to an individual who has shown dedication to the principles of justice, outstanding expertise in their field, and a commitment to public service. The recipient must have made substantial contributions to the advancement of justice throughout their career, showing a level of dedication above what is required of an attorney or other professional in the normal course of work. Past recipients of the award are Ferdie de la Torre and Elizabeth S. Balajadia.
Michael White has been an attorney on Saipan since 1970. He began as a Staff Attorney for the Congress of Micronesia, and transitioned to private practice in 1975. Mr. White also served as a Special Judge for the Superior Court from 1995 to 2001. Mr. White is a leader among lawyers, having been a founder of the CNMI Bar Association and its first President. He has served on numerous committees within the Bar, and has shared his legal expertise in conferences across the Pacific. Furthermore, he has lent his expertise to the Supreme Court as Chairman and contributor for multiple Advisory Committees on judicial rules. Mr. White is a dedicated volunteer for Judiciary outreach programs, and has been a member of countless advisory boards throughout the community. Mr. White is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Courts of the United States, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Pennsylvania, among other jurisdictions. Mr. White is a proud husband and father of five.