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Gov. Gregoire Appoints Teresa Kulik As Division III Court of Appeals Judge

For Immediate Release: January 17, 2006

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Senior Assistant Attorney General and Section Chief, Teresa C. Kulik of Wenatchee, to the Division III, District 3, Court of Appeals effective February 16, 2006.

The seat was vacated on November 1, 2005, by Judge Frank L. Kurtz, who was appointed to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington.

Teresa Kulik�s experience, professionalism, and deep regard for the rule of law make her a perfect fit for the Washington State Court of Appeals," said Governor Gregoire. "During my tenure as Attorney General, I witnessed Teresa�s commitment to service and her strong ethical character. I take great pride in this appointment."

Attorney General Rob McKenna said, "Since beginning work with Theresa in January 2005, I�ve been impressed by her reputation within the legal community and throughout North Central Washington. I agree with those who have worked with her that she is an excellent lawyer with great integrity and a tremendous work ethic. Moreover, her clients uniformly give highest praise for her legal reasoning, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and knowledge of the law.

Former Attorney General Ken Eikenberry said, "Teresa made countless contributions to the effectiveness of my office, she was a leader, and her positive spirit resulted in a high degree of morale among her staff."

Mr. Eikenberry appointed Ms. Kulik to the Washington State Attorney General�s office in 1981. In 1988, he promoted her to Division Chief to serve as a member of his management team. She has litigated cases in Klickitat, Yakima, Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Asotin, Whitman, Benton, Franklin, and King counties. She was a Division Chief responsible for seven regional offices; represented the Departments of Social and Health Services, and Labor and Industries; served as General Counsel to Central Washington University (21 years) and Yakima Valley Community College (five years); opened Attorney General branch offices in Yakima, Port Angeles, and Wenatchee. From 1978-1981, Ms. Kulik was a staff attorney for Evergreen Legal Services in Clarkston providing counsel to low-income individuals.

She received the Steward of Justice Award in 2000, and the Outstanding Leader Award, in 1997, from the Attorney General�s office. Ms. Kulik served as President of the Yakima County Bar Association in 1994, and Vice-President of Columbia Legal Services. She has been a 20 year member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys.

Prior to moving to Wenatchee, she was active in Yakima�s Davis High School Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Vice-President of the West Valley PTA, and a board member and secretary of Yakima Little League Baseball, as well as a youth baseball and basketball coach.

Ms. Kulik received her Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1977, and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington in 1974. She was married to the late Peter G. Young, former Chelan Superior Court Commissioner. She has one adult son, John, who lives and works in Seattle.