Oregon Judicial Vacancies
Mustafa T. Kasubhai appointed to serve as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Oregon
The Judges of the District of Oregon have appointed Lane County Circuit Court Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai to serve as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Oregon. Judge Kasubhai will begin his service in the District’s Eugene Division on September 21, 2018.
Before his appointment to the Lane County Circuit Court in 2007, Judge Kasubhai served as board member of the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board and practiced law in Eugene and Klamath Falls. Judge Kasubhai received his law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1996 and attended college at the University of California, Berkley.
OREGON SUPREME COURT
On September 13, 2018, Governor Brown announced that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Oregon Supreme Court created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Rives Kistler. The retirement of Justice Kistler is effective December 31, 2018, and the appointee will begin service immediately thereafter. Details available here.
OREGON JUSTICE COURTS
RECENT VACANCIES
On September 6, 2018, Governor Brown announced that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Linn County Justice Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Jad Lemhouse. Judge Lemhouse’s retirement takes effect December 31, 2018. Details available here.
OREGON CIRCUIT COURTS
RECENT VACANCIES
On October 5, 2018, Governor Brown announced that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Washington County Justice Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Kirsten Thompson. Judge Thompson's retirement takes effect February 1, 2019. Details available here.
RECENT APPOINTMENTS
On June 29, 2018, Governor Brown announced she will appoint Todd Van Rysselberghe to the Clackamas County Circuit Court. Mr. Van Rysselberghe will fill the vacancy created by Judge Robert D. Herndon’s retirement, which takes effect June 30, 2018. Details available here.
On August 21, 2018, Governor Brown announced she will appoint Laura Cromwell to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Ms. Cromwell will fill the vacancy created by Judge Patricia Crain’s retirement. Her appointment is effective September 1. Details available here.
On September 25, 2018, Governor Kate Brown announced today that she will appoint Bradley A. Cascagnette to the Lane County Circuit Court and Paige E. Clarkson to be District Attorney of Marion County. Mr. Cascagnette, a criminal defense lawyer, fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai, which was occasioned by his appointment as a Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court. Ms. Clarkson, a career prosecutor who was elected for a term to begin in January, will complete the term of retiring District Attorney Walt Beglau. Mr. Cascagnette’s appointment is effective immediately; Ms. Clarkson’s appointment is effective October 1. Details available here
On August 15, 2018, Governor Brown announced she will appoint Debra Velure to the Lane County Circuit Court. Ms. Velure will fill the vacancy created by Judge Karsten H. Rasmussen’s retirement. Her appointment is effective immediately. Details available here.
On May 22, 2018, Governor Brown announced she will appoint Mona K. Williams to the Union/Wallowa County Circuit Court. Ms. Williams will fill the vacancy created by Judge Russell B. West’s retirement, which takes effect May 31, 2018. Details available here.
Governor Brown Announces Oregon Supreme Court Vacancy
The following candidates have submitted materials to the Governor’s Office for this vacancy. Comments on any of the candidates can be made to General Counsel at Governor Kate Brown’s Office, Misha Isaak, (503) 378-6246, or misha.isaak@oregon.gov.
Baldwin, Russell
Bell, Aaron
Campbell, Bruce
Egan, James
Eiva, Travis
Garrett, Chris
Kron, Michael
Leith, David
Ortega, Darlene
Perry, Kenneth
Runkles-Pearson, PK
Tookey, Douglas
The bar will conduct interviews of the candidates who apply for this position. If you have questions or comments about the Oregon State Bar’s process, please contact Susan Grabe at sgrabe@osbar.org or 1-800-452-8260, ext. 380.
Governor Brown is committed to a diverse and inclusive judiciary. The Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association (OAPABA), OGALLA, the LGBTQ Bar Association, the Oregon Chapter of the National Bar Association (OC-NBA), and the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association (OHBA) have created the Oregon Judicial Diversity Coalition (OJDC) to conduct interviews for applicants interested in receiving endorsements from those specialty bars. Applicants interested in participating in the OJDC's interview process can find information and application materials here (http://oapaba.org/judicial-endorsements). All applications to OJDC are due no later than the deadline for the application forms to the Governor.
Recent Vacancies
Governor Brown Announces Linn County Justice Court Vacancy
The following candidates have submitted materials to the Governor’s Office for the Linn County Justice Court vacancy. Comments on any of the candidates can be made to General Counsel at Governor Kate Brown’s Office, Misha Isaak, (503) 378-6246, or misha.isaak@oregon.gov.
Jennifer Hisey
Jessica Meyer
Heidi Sternhagen
Governor Brown Announces Washington County Circuit Court Vacancy
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Washington County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Kirsten Thompson. The Governor thanked Judge Thompson for her dedicated judicial service, and announced that she will fill the position by appointment. Judge Thompson’s retirement takes effect February 1, 2019.
Interested applicants should mail or deliver their completed application forms to: Misha Isaak, General Counsel, Office of the Governor, 900 Court Street NE, Ste. 254, Salem, OR 97301-4047. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2018. Forms emailed by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date will be considered timely so long as original signed forms postmarked by the closing date are later received. Please note that the judicial interest form has been updated.
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(2) further provides: “[e]ach judge of the circuit court shall be a resident of or have a principal office in the judicial district for which the judge is elected or appointed, except that in any judicial district having a population of 500,000 or more, according to the latest federal decennial census, any judge of the circuit court may reside within 10 miles of the boundary of the judicial district.” Washington County has a population in excess of 500,000. 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 Shevaun Gutridge at 503-378-6246 or shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov.
The judicial interest form is also available online.
Recent Appointments
Governor Brown Appoints Bradley Cascagnette to Lane County Bench, Paige Clarkson as District Attorney of Marion County
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown announced today that she will appoint Bradley A. Cascagnette to the Lane County Circuit Court and Paige E. Clarkson to be District Attorney of Marion County. Mr. Cascagnette, a criminal defense lawyer, fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai, which was occasioned by his appointment as a Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court. Ms. Clarkson, a career prosecutor who was elected for a term to begin in January, will complete the term of retiring District Attorney Walt Beglau. Mr. Cascagnette’s appointment is effective immediately; Ms. Clarkson’s appointment is effective October 1.
“While Brad Cascagnette and Paige Clarkson come from opposing sides of our criminal justice system, these bright lights of the legal profession have demonstrated a commitment to the fair administration of justice,” Governor Brown said. “These two individuals are the right people for these jobs; the people of Lane and Marion Counties are fortunate to have these two public servants.”
Mr. Cascagnette is a partner at the law firm Gardner, Potter, Budge, Spickard & Cascagnette, LLC, where he has represented indigent defendants since 2003. He is also administrator of the Lane County Defense Consortium, a role in which he oversees and coordinates 13 criminal defense lawyers. Mr. Cascagnette received a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a law degree from the University of Oregon Law School. He is a volunteer ski patroller for National Ski Patrol and a mentor to young lawyers through the Oregon State Bar.
Ms. Clarkson has worked as a prosecutor at the Marion County District Attorney’s Office for her entire legal career. She ran unopposed in the May election to replace retiring District Attorney Walt Beglau for a term to begin in January. Mr. Beglau has decided to leave office early, at the end of September. Ms. Clarkson is a member of Governor Brown’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission and is an instructor at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. She received a bachelor’s degree from University of California Santa Barbara and a law degree from Willamette University College of Law.
Governor Brown Appoints Todd Van Rysselberghe to Clackamas County Circuit Court
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Todd L. Van Rysselberghe to the Clackamas County Circuit Court. Mr. Van Rysselberghe will fill the vacancy created by Judge Robert D. Herndon’s retirement, which takes effect June 30, 2018. The appointment is effective immediately thereafter.
“Todd Van Rysselberghe’s extensive experience in family law, his passion for serving Clackamas County, and his judicial temperament will serve him well as a circuit court judge,” Governor Brown said. “Given his skills and experience, including years of service as a volunteer pro tem judge, I have no doubt that Todd will serve the people of Clackamas County well.”
For nearly thirty years, Mr. Van Rysselberghe practiced as a litigator at Kennedy Watts Arellano LLP, specializing in domestic relations matters. He previously clerked for Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Herrell, after earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.
In recent years, Mr. Van Rysselberghe has volunteered as a circuit court judge pro tem in Clackamas County, assisting the court with its juvenile drug court, attendance court, and domestic relations motion docket. He also has served as a pro tem judge in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Governor Brown Appoints Laura Cromwell to Jackson County Circuit Court
Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Laura A. Cromwell to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Ms. Cromwell will fill the vacancy created by Judge Patricia Crain’s retirement. Her appointment is effective September 1.
“Laura Cromwell is a hard-working prosecutor with unbounded talent, who is both compassionate and fair,” Governor Brown said. “I have no doubt that she will serve the people of Jackson County well as a circuit court judge.”
Ms. Cromwell grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before moving to Oregon to attend college at Willamette University. After graduating from Willamette, she earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Since 2007, Ms. Cromwell has prosecuted criminal cases as a Deputy District Attorney in Jackson County. In recent years, she has served as the county’s first Mental Health Deputy District Attorney, representing her office in all mental health related cases, as well as civil commitment hearings.
Governor Brown Appoints Bradley Cascagnette to Lane County Bench, Paige Clarkson as District Attorney of Marion County
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown announced today that she will appoint Bradley A. Cascagnette to the Lane County Circuit Court and Paige E. Clarkson to be District Attorney of Marion County. Mr. Cascagnette, a criminal defense lawyer, fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai, which was occasioned by his appointment as a Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court. Ms. Clarkson, a career prosecutor who was elected for a term to begin in January, will complete the term of retiring District Attorney Walt Beglau. Mr. Cascagnette’s appointment is effective immediately; Ms. Clarkson’s appointment is effective October 1.
“While Brad Cascagnette and Paige Clarkson come from opposing sides of our criminal justice system, these bright lights of the legal profession have demonstrated a commitment to the fair administration of justice,” Governor Brown said. “These two individuals are the right people for these jobs; the people of Lane and Marion Counties are fortunate to have these two public servants.”
Mr. Cascagnette is a partner at the law firm Gardner, Potter, Budge, Spickard & Cascagnette, LLC, where he has represented indigent defendants since 2003. He is also administrator of the Lane County Defense Consortium, a role in which he oversees and coordinates 13 criminal defense lawyers. Mr. Cascagnette received a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a law degree from the University of Oregon Law School. He is a volunteer ski patroller for National Ski Patrol and a mentor to young lawyers through the Oregon State Bar.
Ms. Clarkson has worked as a prosecutor at the Marion County District Attorney’s Office for her entire legal career. She ran unopposed in the May election to replace retiring District Attorney Walt Beglau for a term to begin in January. Mr. Beglau has decided to leave office early, at the end of September. Ms. Clarkson is a member of Governor Brown’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission and is an instructor at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. She received a bachelor’s degree from University of California Santa Barbara and a law degree from Willamette University College of Law.
Governor Brown Appoints Debra Velure to Lane County Circuit Court
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Debra E. Velure to the Lane County Circuit Court. Ms. Velure will fill the vacancy created by Judge Karsten H. Rasmussen’s retirement. Her appointment is effective immediately.
“Debra Velure brings a wealth of civil litigation experience, an even-keeled approach, and a deep commitment to her community,” Governor Brown said. “I am so pleased that she is willing to serve the people of Lane County in her new role as circuit court judge.”
Ms. Velure is a trial attorney in the Law Office of Julie D. Elkins, where she represents Farmers Insurance. During her twenty-five year legal career, Ms. Velure has litigated a wide range of matters, including personal injury cases, tort claims, complex business litigation, and employment law issues. She also served as a pro tem judge for the Lane County Circuit Court from 2014 to 2016. Ms. Velure earned her bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University, and her law degree from the University of Oregon.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Velure has been active in professional and community activities. She is past president of Oregon Women Lawyers, was a member of the City of Eugene’s Civilian Review Board, and currently serves on the Oregon State Bar’s Local Disciplinary Board and Board of Accountancy.
Union/Wallowa County, 10th Judicial District Circuit Court Appointment
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Wallowa County District Attorney Mona K. Williams to the position of Circuit Judge on Oregon’s Tenth Judicial District, which encompasses Union and Wallowa Counties. Ms. Williams will fill the vacancy created by Judge Russell B. West’s retirement, which takes effect May 31, 2018. Her appointment is effective immediately thereafter. She is the first woman to serve as a circuit judge in Union and Wallowa Counties.
“Mona Williams has devoted her professional career to serving the people of northeast Oregon,” Governor Brown said. “I am so grateful that she is once again willing to answer the call and serve her community and our state, this time as a circuit court judge.”
A native of Wallowa County, Ms. Williams graduated from Joseph High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University and her law degree from the University of Idaho. Ms. Williams practiced law for several years as a sole practitioner in Wallowa County. Since 2007, she has served as the Wallowa County District Attorney.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Williams has served the local bar as well. She is a past president of the Wallowa County Bar Association, and a past chair of the Union/Wallowa Local Professional Responsibility Committee.