Openings for Appointment or Election
The following are all current openings known to KCBA for judicial positions subject to election by King County voters or appointment in our region. Most will be subject first to appointment by the Governor, County Council, or local city council. The bar recommends that attorneys interested in a judicial career obtain evaluation ratings from KCBA well in advance of the appearance of a vacancy on this page. Generally speaking, appointing authorities publish notice of a vacancy to solicit interest from attorneys with existing ratings. The bar's process, which relies on the availability of volunteer attorneys to conduct evaluations, can take up to 3 months from the date an applicant submits an application for rating. It is very unlikely that a rating can be issued on short notice.
To learn more about our process, select the "Judicial Candidate Evaluation Rating Process" link from the menu bar on the right side of this page.
Current & Upcoming Openings as of 10/29/18:
- U.S. District Court for Western District of Washington
President Trump nominated on July 13 attorney Eric D. Miller to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and attorneys Kathleen O'Sullivan and Tessa Gorman to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington; all three await U.S. Senate confirmation. Mr. Miller had a hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on October 26 and awaits a committee vote to proceed to the Senate floor. Ms. O'Sullivan and Ms. Gorman's nominations have not yet been formally transmitted to the Senate by the White House as of 10/29/18.
Magistrate Judge James P. Donohue has announced his retirement; the Court is accepting applications for a new magistrate through June 30. Details at www.wawd.uscourts.gov/news/public-notice-appointment-full-time-magistrate-judge-0.
- King County Superior Court
Judge Monica Benton has announced her retirement effective January 31, 2019. Judge Barbara Linde announced October 5 her retirement effective December 15. Judge Jean Rietschel announced October 18 her retirement effective January 4, 2019. The governor will appoint to fill the vacancies.
- Washington Court of Appeals Division I
No openings anticipated.
- Kent Municipal Court
Judge Karli Jorgensen announced January 29 that she will retire from her position later this year. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph has appointed attorney Michael Frans as a replacement effective January 1, 2019.
- Seattle Municipal Court
No openings anticipated.
- King County District Court
Judges Charles J. Delaurenti, David Meyer, and Janet Garrow have announced they will complete their current terms but not seek reelection this year. These will be open races for election without appointment of an interim judge.
The Rumor Mill as of 10/29/18
In addition to the three announced Superior Court retirements above, at least two and possibly more retirements are expected over the next few months. Watch this space for news as KCBA learns more.