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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire appoints Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge

For Immediate Release: December 23, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced that she will appoint Judge Michael Evans to the Cowlitz County Superior Court. Evans is currently a Cowlitz County District Court Judge, and will replace Judge Jill Johanson, who was elected to the Court of Appeals.

�Judge Evans has demonstrated knowledge of the law and wisdom beyond his years,� said Gregoire. �His dedication to the community and to the judiciary will continue to be an asset for the citizens of Washington in his new position on the Superior Court.�

�The appointment to serve my fellow citizens as a Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I am humbled and excited,� said Evans. �I am aware that the decisions I make in Superior Court have the potential of long lasting and significant impact on individuals, families, and businesses in our community. My legal experience and service to our community will serve as the foundation for fair and reasoned decisions based on the law.�

Evans started his legal career as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Cowlitz County before joining the firm of Crandall, O�Neill & McReary. As an associate with the firm, he handled a variety of matters including criminal defense, personal injury and general civil litigation, and family law. In 2006 he rejoined the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney�s office, where he provided advice to county officials and represented the county in civil rights litigation. In 2008 he was appointed to a seat on the district court by the county commission, and then won election to the seat.

�I am really pleased and excited about the appointment of Judge Evans to the Superior Court,� said George Raiter, Chair of the Board of Cowlitz County Commissioners. �Judge Evans has done an outstanding job for our community as a district court judge and before that as a deputy prosecuting attorney and in the private sector.�

�Judge Evans is exceptionally talented. We look forward to serving with him on the Superior Court bench,� said Superior Court Judge James Stonier. �We are confident that he will honorably and admirably serve the citizens of Cowlitz County and the State of Washington.

Evans earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and his law degree from Seattle University. His appointment is effective January 11, 2011.