Gov. Gregoire appoints Lisa Sutton to Thurston County Superior Court

For Immediate Release: November 2, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today appointed Lisa Sutton to the Thurston County Superior Court. Sutton replaces Judge Richard D. Hicks, whose retirement took effect Sept. 30th, 2010.

�Lisa�s hard work and dedication will be a strong asset to the court,� Gregoire said. �I am confident in her ability to serve the residents of Thurston County with diligence and integrity.�

�I am truly honored and privileged to be appointed by Governor Gregoire to serve the citizens of Thurston County,� said Sutton. �I am excited to join my colleagues on the bench. I will be fair, impartial and deliberative, provide reasoned rulings, and be respectful of all those who appear before me.�

Sutton is the senior counsel and employment team leader for the Torts Division at the Office of the Attorney General, where she has served for the past 24 years working within the Torts Division, Education Division, and Social and Health Services Division. Sutton served as pro tem Thurston County Family Court Commissioner at various times from 1997 to 2003.

�Lisa Sutton will bring strong trial experience, broad background in state government issues, and a robust work ethic to the court,� said Presiding Judge Paula Casey. �We look forward to welcoming her soon and working with her.�

�In more than 20 years with the Attorney General�s Office, Lisa has personified our office�s ideals of ethics, excellence and effectiveness in the practice of law,� said Attorney General Rob McKenna. �Her superior legal abilities and her sound judgment make her an excellent choice for the Superior Court.�

Sutton currently serves as vice chair for the YMCA South Briggs Branch. She was also a member of the Washington Women Lawyer�s state board and committees and volunteered as a family law mentor at the Thurston County Legal Services Clinic. In 2005, Sutton received an Attorney General Award for her work on the Domestic Violence Awareness Committee.

Sutton graduated magna cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor�s degree in psychology. She went on to continue her education at Seattle University School of Law where she earned her juris doctor degree.