Gov. Jay Inslee today appointed Rob Olson to Whatcom County Superior Court. He will serve in the position previously held by the late Judge Ira Uhrig.
Olson has spent the past eight years serving as Washington state assistant attorney general. In his current role, he serves as general counsel to Western Washington University, and in prior roles he represented the state in numerous licensing and child protection actions.
Olson has also served as a public defender for Whatcom County and as a solo practitioner. His experience includes work in the fields of juvenile and adult crime, and in providing legal services to the LGBTQ community. He has taught business law at WWU for nearly two decades.
Prior to his long legal career, Olson served as a major in military intelligence for the U.S. Army and Washington Army National Guard, receiving various accolades including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.
“Rob has been incredibly dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations throughout his career,” Inslee said. “He has a strong reputation in the Whatcom County community, and I look forward to his contributions to the bench.”
Olson received his law degree from Seattle University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University.
His appointment is effective immediately.