Judicial Vacancies Overview

Circuit Courts - Recent Vacancies

Governor Kate Brown is Accepting Applications for Lane County Circuit Court

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting new and renewed applications for the judicial position on the Lane County Circuit Court, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cynthia Carlson, which was effective on December 31, 2014. Governor Brown will fill the position by appointment.
 
Anyone interested in filling the position must submit an Interest Form for Judicial Appointments to the Governor’s Office. Applicants should mail or deliver the form to: Ben Souede, General Counsel, Office of the Governor, 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301-4047. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Forms faxed or e-mailed by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date will be considered timely so long as the original signed form is postmarked by the closing date.

Governor Kate Brown fills judicial vacancies based on merit. She encourages applications from lawyers with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

ORS 3.041 and 3.050 provide that at the time of appointment to the court, the candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Oregon, and a member of the Oregon State Bar. ORS 3.041 requires that this vacancy must be filled by an applicant who is a resident of, or have a principal office in, Lane County. ORS 3.041(5) provides the required length of time for the residency requirements.
 
To receive answers to questions about the appointment process, or to request an interest form, contact Jen Andrew at 503-378-6246. The Interest Form for Judicial Appointments is also available online at http://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/judicial.aspx.

Following the application deadline, the bar may conduct a preference poll of the candidates who apply for this position. If you have questions or comments about the Oregon State Bar’s process, please contact Amanda Lunsford at alunsford@osbar.org or 1-800-452-8260, ext. 376.

Circuit Courts — Recent Appointments

Governor Kitzhaber Appoints Randy Miller to Deschutes County Circuit Court

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber today announced the appointment of Randy Miller to fill the vacancy on the Deschutes County Circuit Court created by the retirement of Judge Barbara Haslinger. Judge Haslinger’s retirement was effective June 30, 2014, and Mr. Miller was elected in May to fill the position starting January 1, 2015. The Governor’s appointment allows Judge-elect Miller to begin immediately.
 
"Our circuit courts are an integral part of ensuring access to justice and having judges that are ready, willing, and able to perform their duties is essential," Governor Kitzhaber said. "Randy Miller is eager to begin his service to the people of Deschutes County and the State of Oregon, and I am pleased to help make that possible."
 
A veteran of the United State Marine Corps, Mr. Miller graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in business management from Linfield College. He received his law degree from Willamette University College of Law. Mr. Miller began private practice as a litigator for Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, transferring to its Bend office in 2006. He later opened a solo practice focusing on civil litigation representing businesses and individuals in commercial, construction, and real estate matters before state and federal courts. 
 
Mr. Miller’s prior experience includes serving as a police officer in Sunriver, serving on the board for Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, and volunteering with Special Olympics.