Gov. Gregoire appoints Superior Court judge for Kittitas County

For Immediate Release: November 23, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced she is appointing Frances Chmelewski to the Kittitas County Superior Court. Chmelewski operates a law office in Ellensburg. She will be appointed to the position that has been vacant since Judge Michael E. Cooper retired in October.

�It�s not often that you find a person that has a background like Frances,� Gregoire said. �She brings more than 20 years of experience to the bench that includes significant trial experience in both civil and criminal cases. She also brings a unique and wide-ranging perspective after arguing for both the prosecution and defense, and representing both private citizens and public entities.�

"I am honored by Governor Gregoire's decision to appoint me to the Kittitas County Superior Court, and I appreciate her and other's confidence in my ability to perform the judicial functions of this office,� said Chmelewski. �It will be a privilege to serve the citizens of Kittitas County, and I will work hard to ensure that justice is served fairly and equally to every person that appears before me."

Chmelewski began her legal career in 1990, as an attorney in the criminal division at the Seattle City Attorney�s Office � where her focus was on domestic violence cases. She later worked in the Yakima regional office of the Attorney General, as an Assistant Attorney General representing the Departments of Social and Health Services, Licensing and Labor and Industries in administrative and judicial proceedings.

In 1993, she opened the Law Offices of Frances P. Chmelewski, where she represented private clients in matters involving family law, general civil litigation and criminal defense. In 1999 she contracted with the City of Ellensburg to serve as City Prosecutor, and has served in that position for the past twelve years. Since 2003 she has represented DSHS in juvenile dependency matters in Kittitas County under a contract with the Office of Attorney General.

�I have known and worked with Frances in the courtroom for over fifteen years,� said Kittitas County Superior Court Judge Scott R. Sparks. �She has a deep understanding of the law, works extremely hard, and cares deeply for justice and fairness. I look forward to working with her.�

Chmelewski earned her bachelor�s degree from Tufts University before graduating from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1989.