The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Lingle selected Duffy, 60, from a list of six names submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. The governor released the six names last month.

Others on the list were Honolulu lawyer Lowell Chun-Hoon and Circuit judges Eden Hifo, Sabrina McKenna, Richard Perkins and Richard Pollack.

"Jim is a skilled lawyer who is perceived by his colleagues as someone who can effectively bring people together," Lingle said.

 "He is a lawyer's lawyer, with a long distinguished career in the legal profession, as well as a strong commitment to community service.  Jim will bring tremendous integrity and fairness to Hawai`i's highest court."

Duffy, a former president of the Hawai`i Bar Association, was senior partner at the law firm of Fujiyama, Duffy & Fujiyama.

He is a graduate of Marquette University Law School and College of St. Thomas in Minnesota.