Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 9, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke appoints Judge Bobbe Bridge to Washington Supreme Court

OLYMPIA — Making his first appointment to the state Supreme Court, Gov. Gary Locke today appointed King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Bobbe J. Bridge to the Washington Supreme Court.

Bridge, 55, joined the governor in a press conference today. Locke said Judge Bridge will bring a depth of experience to the bench and will serve the people of Washington with integrity and compassion.

"I have known Bobbe Bridge for many years. Her unquestionable intellectual capacity and her incredible leadership skills will be a welcome addition to our Supreme Court," Locke said. "She is dedicated to serving the public in an honest, caring and responsible manner. Judge Bridge is a well-rounded person with the legal skills, intellect, integrity, and real-life experience necessary to make a top-notch Supreme Court justice."

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Guy offered similar comments.

"The governor, as a lawyer, has recognized the importance of this appointment and has provided the court with someone who will give us not only judicial expertise, but a proven leader," Guy said.

Bridge said she will work to blend the practice of law and realities of life.

"I will work hard to apply my skills and experience in the practice of law on the trial court and in life," Bridge said. " I will bring what I trust will be not only the intellectual wherewithal to do this important work for the citizens of Washington, but common sense and an appreciation for the interrelationships among the branches of government to decision-making."

A native of Seattle, Bridge graduated from the University of Washington Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in political science. She then earned a master's degree in political science from the University of Michigan. She returned to the University of Washington for her law degree.

After 14 years of private practice, Bridge worked to establish a reputation as one of the most outstanding lawyers in the state. Gov. Booth Gardner appointed her to the King County Superior Court in 1990, where she continued to distinguish herself among the legal community.

Bridge quickly earned a reputation for her work in juvenile court, where she served as chief judge for several years, addressing the concerns of youth and the court system. She created the Unified Family Court in King County, an initiative that is being copied across the state and the nation.

Bridge was elected presiding judge of the King County Superior Court in 1998 by her fellow judges, and was named president of the Superior Court Judges Association.

She also is a tireless volunteer in the community and her temple, involved in dozens of activities ranging from the Seattle Arts Commission to the Woodland Park Zoo.

She and her husband, Jonathan J. Bridge, have two children.

Bridge fills a vacancy on the state Supreme Court, created by the resignation of Justice Barbara Durham Sept. 30. Bridge will fill Durham's six-year term, which will expire next summer. She will have to run in November 2000 to fill the remainder of the term, and then face election for a new term in November 2002.

Salaries for Supreme Court justices currently are set at $120,000 annually.

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