OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today appointed Laura M. Riquelme to the Skagit County Superior Court. Riquelme works for the Skagit County Public Defender’s Office where she has served as senior deputy attorney and deputy attorney.
“Laura has extensive legal experience and a deep commitment to serving the people of her community,” Inslee said. “Her distinguished career and record of volunteer service will make her an outstanding addition to the bench.”
Riquelme has also served in the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office. She is a member of the Skagit County Bar Association and volunteers on the Skagit Immigrant Rights Council. She is fluent in Spanish.
Riquelme earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts and a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law.
Riquelme replaces Judge Susan Cook who is retiring after 20 years on the Skagit County Superior Court. In 2015, Cook was named has been named Judge of the Year by the Washington State Association for Justice. Cook was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Washington State Bar Association.
Riquelme’s appointment is effective at the end of March.