Gov. Jay Inslee today appointed Julie M. McKay to the Spokane County Superior Court. McKay is currently a Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner and has served in that role since 2014.
“Julie has extensive experience working in and around Spokane County. She knows this community well and will be an outstanding addition to the bench,” Inslee said. “She has a reputation for excellence and hard work and I am proud to appoint her to this role.”
McKay was rated at “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by the Spokane County Bar Association during the evaluation process.
Prior to her work as a County Superior Court Commissioner, McKay led a general civil and family law practice in Spokane. McKay has also served as a municipal prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer in the area. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University and earned her law degree from the Gonzaga University School of Law.
McKay will replace retiring Judge Kathleen O’Connor, currently the state’s longest serving judicial officer. O’Connor has honorably served the people of Spokane County since 1979.
“Kathleen O’Connor has served an impressive term and has a tremendous record,” Inslee said. “Her expertise and standing in the community have been appreciated by many. I wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
McKay’s appointment is effective beginning in February 2016.