Gov. Jay Inslee today appointed Maureen McKee to the King County Superior Court. She will replace Judge Lori Smith, who was recently named to the state Court of Appeals, Division 1.
McKee has had a long career as a public defender. After spending 12 years as an attorney for The Defender Association Division for King County, she rose to a supervisor role, mentoring and providing guidance to less experienced public defenders. She is currently the interim managing attorney for the division.
Before practicing in The Defender Association Division, McKee’s experience focused on immigrant, minority and disability rights in the United States and gender and property rights in Mostar, Bosnia.
"Throughout her career, Maureen has developed a strong understanding of the inequities existing within our justice system," Inslee said. "King County Superior Court will benefit greatly from having someone with her experience and perspective on the bench."
McKee received her law degree from Cornell Law School. She also studied at the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College.
Her appointment is effective August 2018.