Gov. Gregoire appoints Superior Court judge for Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry counties

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced she will appoint Patrick Monasmith to the Superior Court serving Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry counties. Monasmith is a former Court Commissioner for Stevens County, and has extensive experience in private practice.

�Patrick�s broad legal background is exactly what is necessary to effectively serve as Superior Court judge,� Gregoire said. �I welcome Patrick to this position, and know those he works with will appreciate and respect his passion to serve the community.�

�I am deeply honored by this appointment, and humbled by the confidence placed in me by Governor Gregoire and my peers,� said Monasmith. �It will be my great privilege to serve the citizens of the Tri-Counties as their next Superior Court judge."

Monasmith began his legal career in 1984, when he became a staff attorney with the Spokane County Public Defender Office. Two years later he joined the practice of Goicoechea Law Office before joining O�Neal & Delaney, P.S. as an associate. In 1989, Monasmith formed the firm of Skok & Monasmith, P.S. in Chewelah, where he has practiced law for more than 20 years.

�Patrick Monasmith�s proven temperament, his breadth of experience and his energy make him an ideal fit for the demands of our tri-county judicial district,� said retiring Judge Rebecca Baker.

�Mr. Monasmith will show strong leadership,� said Presiding Judge Allen Nielson. �I look forward to working with him.�

Monasmith is a Colville High School graduate. He later earned a bachelor�s degree from the University of Idaho before graduating from the University of Idaho College of Law.