Judicial Vacancies Overview

Oregon Court of Appeals - Recent Appointments

Governor Kitzhaber Appoints Chris Garrett to Court of Appeals

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber today announced the appointment of Christopher L. Garrett to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Court of Appeals created by the retirement of the Honorable David Schuman. Judge Schuman’s retirement is effective February 1, 2014. The Governor thanked Judge Schuman for his many years of distinguished service to the people of Oregon
 
“Chris Garrett has been a vocal and effective advocate for the rule of law and the vitality of Oregon’s courts,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “He has earned the respect of people from all walks of life for his intellect and ability to find common ground among divergent views. As he joins one of the hardest working appellate courts in the nation, I am confident that he will not lose sight of the pivotal role the law has as it shapes the lives of all Oregonians.”

Mr. Garrett received his Bachelor of Arts from Reed College and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago Law School. After graduating from law school, he worked as an attorney with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Dennis Jacobs of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit before returning to Oregon in 2002. Since his return, he has worked as a business litigator at Perkins Coie LLP with an emphasis in antitrust, employment, trade secret actions, and election and political law. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Garrett has served in the Oregon State House of Representatives since 2009. During his legislative service, Mr. Garrett has held a number of leadership roles including serving as Speaker Pro Tempore, Chair of the House Committee on Rules, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety, Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary, Co-Chair of the House Committee on Redistricting, and as a member of the Joint Interim Committee on Justice System Revenues. In addition to his legislative Service, Mr. Garrett has participated in a number of community and volunteer organizations including serving on the board of the Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger and as a volunteer with the Classroom Law Project.

Governor Kitzhaber Appoints Joel DeVore, Erin Lagesen, and Doug Tookey to Oregon Court of Appeals

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber today announced the appointment of Joel S. DeVore, Erin C. Lagesen, and Douglas L. Tookey to fill three new positions on the Oregon Court of Appeals created by the passage of House Bill 4026 in 2012.
 
“I am pleased to appoint three talented lawyers who bring diverse perspectives and tremendous experience to one of the busiest appellate courts in the nation,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “Joel, Erin, and Doug bring an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and an understanding of how the law impacts everyday Oregonians. I am confident that they will serve all Oregonians with great distinction.”
 
Mr. DeVore received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Antioch College and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oregon. He began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Tom Young on the Oregon Court of Appeals and has been in private practice since 1983, first in Pendleton at the law firm of Mautz Hallman, and now in Eugene at the law firm of Luvaas Cobb. Mr. DeVore practices civil litigation with an emphasis in appellate work. He also handles repair cases for the Professional Liability Fund and serves as legal counsel to the Eugene and Corvallis School Districts. He is a frequent writer and speaker on civil litigation issues and has served as a Lawyer Representative on the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. Before law school, Mr. DeVore served as an Ombudsperson for the city of Anchorage, Alaska.
 
Ms. Lagesen received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Mathematics from Williams College, her Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Oregon, and her Master of Education from Harvard University. She taught math at Milwaukie High School before receiving her law degree from Willamette University College of Law.  After law school, Ms. Lagesen clerked for Judge Susan Graber on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and worked as a litigation associate at Stoel Rives. In 2004, she joined the Appellate Division of the Oregon Department of Justice, where she has handled hundreds of appeals of civil, criminal, and administrative cases in state and federal court. She recently worked on a team that handled a case in the United State Supreme Court. She also is an appellate lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, member and past chair of the executive committee of the Oregon State Bar Constitutional Law section, and a coach of the Franklin High School constitutional law team, which is part of the “We the People” program of the Classroom Law Project. Ms. Lagesen was born and raised in Portland, and is a graduate of Wilson High School.
 
Mr. Tookey received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Chicago, his Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School, and his LL.M. from the National University of Singapore. After law school, he served as a law clerk for Judge Edward W. Nottingham on the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado and then for Judge Emilio M. Garza on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He worked as an environmental law attorney in private practice in Washington D.C. and then spent over a decade working on a variety of projects to improve access to justice and respect for the rule of law in developing countries, including Fulbright Scholarships in Singapore and Kazakhstan; serving as an observer to elections in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine; and serving as a United States Department of State Office of Citizen Exchanges and Dickinson College Fellow on managing environmental resources in the Middle East. In 2006, he joined the Office of Legislative Counsel for the Oregon Legislative Assembly where he serves as counsel to the 90 members of the Legislature and provides written legal opinions, writes laws, and reviews agency rules, with an emphasis on environmental law and natural resources. Mr. Tookey is an active mentor to law students and works with high school students through the Classroom Law Project and the Imprint Program.

Circuit Courts - Recent Vacancies

Governor Kitzhaber Announces Circuit Court Vacancy for the Seventh Judicial District

The following candidates have submitted materials to the Governor's Office for the 7th Judicial District Circuit Court vacancy. Comments on any of the candidates can be made to General Counsel at Governor John Kitzhaber's Office, Liani Reeves, (503) 378-8636, or liani.reeves@state.or.us.

Farrell, Timothy MB
Ostrye, Karen
Rasmussen, Carrie E.
Sewell, John T.
Thonstad, Sheri L.

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 Ann Marie Simmons to Douglas County Circuit Court

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kitzhaber today announced the appointment of Ann Marie G. Simmons to fill the vacancy on the Douglas County Circuit Court created by the retirement of Judge Ronald Poole.

“Ann Marie Simmons brings deep experience in criminal and juvenile law, having worked on both the prosecution and defense side of the system,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “But above all else, she brings a thoughtful, consistent approach to the rule of law and a respect for the people and the circumstances which bring them into court. I am confident that Ann Marie will continue to serve the people of Douglas County and the State of Oregon with honor and distinction.”

Ms. Simmons received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Kansas and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Washington University. After law school, she worked in the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for over a decade as a prosecutor, including four years in the Juvenile Department. In 2010, she joined the Umpqua Valley Public Defender’s Office. Ms. Simmons is active in a number of community activities, including serving on the Douglas County Library Foundation Board and on the board of her children’s school.

Governor Kitzhaber Appoints Cheryl A. Pellegrini to Marion County Circuit Court

On Friday, February 28, 2014, Governor Kitzhaber announced the appointment of Cheryl A. Pellegrini to fill the vacancy on the Marion County Circuit Court created by the death of Judge Albin Norblad.
 
The Governor expressed his condolences to Judge Norblad’s friends and family. "The Marion County Circuit Court suffered a great loss with the passing of Judge Norblad," said Governor Kitzhaber. "I’m thankful for his many years of service to the people of Marion County and Oregonians statewide."
 
"I am pleased to appoint Cheryl Pellegrini to this important position because I know she’ll continue this commitment to justice and equality under the law for Marion County residents," said Governor Kitzhaber. "As a seasoned trial litigator, Ms. Pellegrini brings extensive management experience and a broad legal background in the areas of criminal prosecution, consumer protection and civil enforcement, and election law enforcement. She has been a great asset to the state in her many roles at the Oregon Department of Justice and she will be as equally valuable to the Court in her new role as judge."
 
Ms. Pellegrini received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon. After law school, she started her legal career in Klamath County, where she clerked for a circuit court judge and worked as a Deputy District Attorney, trying a wide mix of criminal cases ranging from theft to aggravated murder. In 1995, she joined the Oregon Department of Justice where, for nearly 19 years, she has served in attorney and management positions in multiple divisions throughout the department, including serving as the Attorney-in-Charge of the Organized Crime Section in the Criminal Justice Division; the Deputy Chief Counsel for the Civil Enforcement Division; and most recently as Chief Trial Counsel of the Trial Division. Ms. Pellegrini is active in the Marion County Bar Association and the Willamette Valley Inns of Court.

Governor Kitzhaber Appoints Beth Roberts to the Washington County Circuit Court

On March 5, 2014, Governor Kitzhaber announced the appointment of Beth Roberts to fill the vacancy on the Washington County Circuit Court created by the retirement of Judge Rita Batz Cobb.

"Beth Roberts brings a compelling life story and deep knowledge of criminal and family law to the Washington County Circuit Court," said Governor Kitzhaber. "As a deputy district attorney, she has been dedicated to programs beyond the courtroom that help to improve lives in the community. I am confident she will bring that commitment and compassion to her new role as a judge."

Ms. Roberts graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in business and accounting. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College. Ms. Roberts began her legal career as a solo practitioner handling domestic relations and real estate matters, also working with Legal Aid to provide assistance to low-income clients. She worked briefly as a compliance officer for the Financial and Corporate Securities Division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services before joining the Washington County District Attorney's Office in 1999. As a deputy district attorney, Ms. Roberts handled a number of different assignments, including working in the child support division and as the representative to the Washington County Drug Court Program.

Ms. Roberts has shown her commitment to Washington County through her service as a deputy district attorney and other community activities. In addition to participating in the Oregon State Bar and the Washington County Bar Association, she is a volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister of Washington County.