Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Lee Grochmal to the Whatcom County Superior Court today. She replaces Judge Charles Snyder who is retiring on Feb. 28.
Grochmal brings 25 years of legal experience to the bench. For the last five years she has been practicing criminal defense and bankruptcy law as a managing partner at Grochmal & Fryer, PC in Bellingham. Prior to that, she was an associate attorney at Lester & Hyldahl, PLLC in Bellingham and served as a public defender in Whatcom County for over a decade.
Grochmal also shares her legal expertise through a range of volunteer activities, including serving as a disciplinary hearing officer for the Washington State Bar Association and performing pro bono debtor representation through LAW Advocates. She also serves on the board of the Opportunity Council.
"Lee's legal experience and community engagement demonstrate a strong commitment to serving under-represented and vulnerable populations, which I think is an important attribute for those who serve in our judicial system," Inslee said. "She will make an excellent addition to the Whatcom County Superior Court."
Grochmal earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and bachelor's degree from George Washington University.