Tamara Hutzler appointed as Palau’s special prosecutor for five-year term

Author: LN Reklai

Palau Koror — Surangel S. Whipps Jr. President has nominated Tamara Hutzler as Special Prosecutor for Palau, subject to Senate approval, pursuant to Article 2, Section 502 of the Palau Constitution. If approved, Hutzler will serve as Special Prosecutor for a five-year term, retiring from her temporary position as Interim Special Prosecutor.

A graduate of Bowling Green State University and Vermont Law School, Hertzler has lived and practiced in Palau since 2011. She initially worked for the Attorney General’s Office for two years before establishing her own law firm, representing clients in criminal defense, land and customary title disputes, tort litigation, and corporate law. Dean Whipps noted that her in-depth knowledge of Palau’s legal system was seen as a major advantage over outside counsel.

Her career also included serving in the United States Air Force, where she achieved the rank of captain and gained experience in both civil and criminal law. Herzler oversaw criminal investigations, litigated cases in military courts, and served in a variety of positions, including handling government spending, procurement law and other complex legal matters. Her military background is considered highly relevant to the position of special prosecutor.

In addition to her legal career, Hertzler has held various management positions, including owning a fly-fishing outfitter and guide company, managing a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary, and managing a multimillion-dollar private estate. These experiences prepared her for the administrative responsibilities required of a special prosecutor, such as office management, budget oversight, and staff supervision.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has been vacant since July 2023 and was most recently filled in April 2024, when Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil legally appointed her as interim Special Prosecutor.

President Whipps stressed that there is no time to delay in filling the long-vacant Special Prosecutor position, which remained vacant due to the relatively low salary offered in the past. The recent decision by Parliament to increase the salary allowed the government to attract a candidate of Herzler’s calibre. He urged the Senate to consider her nomination as soon as possible, noting her qualifications and dedication to upholding the law.

The Senate will now consider Hutzler’s nomination, which could affect the future operations of the special counsel’s office.

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