Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that he is appointing Lisa L. Sutton to the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II covering Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties.
Sutton has served as Thurston County Superior Court judge since 2010. Before that, she worked in the office of the Attorney General for 24 years where she represented the State in numerous civil cases as an assistant attorney general and senior counsel. Throughout her career, Sutton has been an advocate for improving civil rights, education, and employment. Sutton also served as pro temFamily Court Commissioner for the Thurston County Superior Court, and is currently on a statewide board to improve access to justice. She is a Western Washington native of nearly 40 years, and is the daughter of a public school teacher and Air Force pilot. Her community service includes serving on the boards of the Olympia Youth Chorus and Family Support Center in Olympia and volunteer work with the YMCA.
“Lisa has a great reputation for her work both on and off the bench,” Inslee said. “She brings a strong commitment to serving the public and promoting justice. I know she’ll be an effective judge for this region.”
Sutton has been rated ‘Exceptionally Well Qualified’ by the Washington Women Lawyers in 2014.
Sutton is currently running unopposed for this position, to be voted upon in the November general election. The early appointment will allow Sutton to begin her work on the bench at the start of October. Sutton is replacing Judge Robin Hunt, who served in the Court of Appeals for 18 years and is retiring at the end of 39 years of public service.
Sutton’s term is effective Oct. 1.