Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointments of Anne Cruser to Cowlitz County Superior Court and Samuel Swanberg to Benton-Franklin County Superior Court.
Cruser will fill a newly established seat on the Cowlitz County Superior Court. She is currently a supervising attorney for the Appellate Division at the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Cruser also served as judge pro tempore for five years in the Cowlitz County District Court and owned a private law firm for seven years. She focuses on appellate law with experience in criminal trial litigation and public records.
“Anne has a wealth of legal experience combined with a strong connection to the community," Inslee said. "I know that she will bring a forward-thinking attitude to the bench.”
Cruser earned her law degree from Willamette University College of Law.
The state Legislature added a fifth Cowlitz County position to the current four-member team in 2006. However, due to county budgetary constraints, the seat did not open until this year.
Samuel Swanberg's appointment to Benton-Franklin County Superior Court is to replace Judge Vic VanderSchoor, who is retiring after 21 years of service.
Swanberg has served as judge pro tempore for Pasco Municipal Court, Benton County District Court, and for the Juvenile Division of Superior Court for Benton-Franklin County. He has also practiced in the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Samuel knows this community well and he is highly regarded by those who know him and work with him," Inslee said.
Swanberg practiced law as a private attorney for 24 years in state and federal courts. He specialized in criminal defense, family law, and domestic cases with experience in civil litigation.
He obtained his law degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.