Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that he is appointing Julia L. Garratt to serve as Superior Court judge for King County.
Garratt has served as a King County Superior Court Commissioner since 2008 and worked as a Pro Tem judge since 1999. She previously worked as a staff attorney in Seattle for the Associated Counsel for the Accused, representing indigent defendants throughout King County. Garratt has been rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by every single specialty bar association in King County, including the King County Bar Association, QLaw, the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee, Washington Women Lawyers, and the Cardozo Society. She has a strong familiarity with family and juvenile law proven by a strong track record.
“Garratt’s bar ratings speak highly of her reputation and demonstrate that she is an excellent choice for this position,” Inslee said. “Having served as a full-time Commissioner and a Pro Tem Judge for the King County Superior Court previously, Julia is well equipped to serve the people of King County further as a Superior Judge. No one knows more about the administration of justice in the King County Superior Court. I expect her to hit the ground running.”
“We are extremely pleased that Governor Inslee has appointed Court Commissioner Julia Garratt,” said Presiding Judge Richard McDermott. “Since her appointment as a King County Superior Court Commissioner she has served the citizens of King County with great distinction in a number of assignments. She exhibits all the traits of a good Judicial Officer and we are excited that she will be joining us as a King County Superior Court Judge.”
Garrett is replacing Retiring Judge Patricia Clark, who will be highly missed. She was one of the most respected judges in the court and an expert in juvenile justice issues. Clark was elected to the bench in 1998.
Garratt’s term is effective Aug. 8.
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