News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 23, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Appoints Stephen Dwyer to Snohomish County Superior Court

Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Snohomish County District Court Judge Stephen Dwyer to the Snohomish County Superior Court.

“I am pleased to add Steve to a branch of government that is so important to our democratic system,” Locke said. “He has the right combination of expertise, intelligence and experience to be an excellent Superior Court judge.”

Dwyer has more than 22 years of legal experience. He was elected to the Snohomish County District Court in 1994. Prior to his election, he worked in private practice on both civil and criminal matters.

Dwyer is president of the Washington State District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association. In 2001, he was named “State Judge of the Year” by the Washington State Trial Lawyer’s Association. Last year he received the “Outstanding Judge Award” from the Washington State Bar Association. He is also a member of the Board of Judicial Administration, the policy-making arm of the judiciary.

“I am honored by Governor Locke’s confidence in me,” Dwyer said. “I will work hard and do my best to serve in a fair and impartial manner, consistent with the faith the governor has shown in me and consistent with the high standard of justice the public deserves."

Dwyer received his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Puget Sound and his law degree from the University of Washington. He was admitted to the Washington Bar in 1982.

Dwyer will replace retiring Judge Joseph Thibodeau, who has served on the bench since 1986.

Locke commended Thibodeau for his service to the community, especially his work in the Snohomish County Juvenile Drug Treatment Court.

“We greatly appreciate Judge Thibodeau’s years on the Superior Court bench,” Locke said. “He will be missed.”



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