Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 23, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke names Clark to King County superior court bench

SEATTLE - Gov. Gary Locke announced today that he has appointed Patricia Hall Clark to become the next judge in King County Superior Court. Clark, a constitutional court commissioner for the past two years, is a former King County senior deputy prosecutor.

Clark, 52, was a clinical law professor at Seattle University Law School, where she gained practical experience both teaching law and supervising law students in the actual practice of law on behalf of indigent clients. She earned both a law degree and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Washington.

Locke, who interviewed five finalists for the position, said he was very impressed with Clark's dedication and work ethic. "Patricia Hall Clark has the temperament, the widsom and the integrity to be an excellent judge," Locke said. "I'm confident she will be a tremendous addition to the bench in King County Superior Court."

A Bellevue resident, Clark also has a degree in social work from the University of Washington and directed an employment program, where she handled personnel, budgets, program development and implementation, and supervised 30 staff members.

Clark is past treasurer and president-elect of the Loren Miller Bar Association, a former board member for Washington Women Lawyers, a member of the Juvenile Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force, a member of the Judicial College faculty and a participant in a variety of other professional organizations.

Clark will replace retiring Judge Charles V. Johnson, who steps down effective April 30. Clark will begin her new duties on May 1 at an annual salary of $100.995. In November an election for the rest of the four-year term will be held.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive