Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 10, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Appoints Two to Spokane County Superior Court

Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Spokane attorneys Maryann Moreno and Jerome Leveque to Spokane County Superior Court to replace retiring judges Michael Donohue and James Murphy.

“Our judiciary represents a tremendous amount of talent, experience and wisdom,” Locke said. “I am pleased to add Maryann Moreno and Jerome Leveque to a branch of government that is so important to our democratic system.”

After law school, Moreno worked for the Spokane County Public Defender for seven years. She handled the standard range of cases from misdemeanors to felonies, including death penalty cases. She opened her own firm in 1989, and now has a broad practice background, including criminal defense, family law and personal injury litigation.

“Maryann is a tremendously experienced attorney,” Locke said. “Her integrity and ethics have been lauded by her colleagues in the legal community. Maryann has the legal skills, the demeanor and the experience to be a top-notch judge.”

Moreno most recently served as commissioner pro tem for Spokane County Superior Court. She is a trustee for the Spokane County Bar Association, serves on the board of directors for the Washington Defender Association and is an active participant in the Volunteer Lawyers Association.

“I’m honored to be chosen by the governor to serve this community,” Moreno said. “I hope to bring to the bench the same level of expertise and wisdom I have witnessed from my colleagues during my years of practice.”

Moreno received her bachelor’s degree from Kean College of New Jersey and did some postgraduate work at Seton Hall University. She earned her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and was admitted to the Washington bar in May 1983.

Leveque has worked extensively in the private sector and in the legal community. He started in the insurance industry, rising to the position of regional claims manager for United Pacific in Spokane. His work included investigating and negotiating settlements and supervising litigation. He became drawn to law, and attended law school at night while he worked. After receiving his law degree, Leveque began working as a trial attorney, representing both defendants and plaintiffs in civil, contractual and business litigation. He started his own firm in 1988.

“Jerry has a long record of professional service,” Locke said. “Jerry has received special recognition from his peers for his outstanding work and comes highly recommended by the Spokane County Bar Association. Jerry has the skills and the experience needed to be a successful judge.”

Leveque also serves as an active mediator. He has completed the University of Washington Certified Mediation Training, and serves as a Superior Court mandatory arbiter.

“This appointment is about the opportunity to participate in the profession that is the benchmark that distinguishes a society,” Leveque said. “I look forward to doing it in a way that meets the standards that have been set by the Spokane County bench over the years.”

Leveque earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Montana. He received his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and was admitted to the Washington bar in May 1983.

Moreno and Leveque will replace retiring judges Michael Donohue and James Murphy, who have served on the bench since 1981 and 1985 respectively. They are retiring from the court to start an arbitration and mediation company together.

“Judges Donohue and Murphy have both been longtime leaders on the bench and in the community,” Locke said. “I wish them both the best in the future.”

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