Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 11, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Appoints Ted Spearman to Kitsap County Superior Court

Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Bainbridge Island attorney Ted Spearman to the Kitsap County Superior Court.

“I am pleased to add Ted to a branch of government that is so important to our democratic system,” Locke said. “Ted is everything you would want, both personally and professionally, in a Superior Court judge.”

Spearman operates his own practice on Bainbridge Island. He has specialized in civil litigation, primarily as a plaintiff’s attorney. His focus has been on constitutional litigation and tort claims, handling issues like medical malpractice, product liability, and toxics exposure.

Spearman is the Washington state coordinator for the non-profit Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. He serves on the standing committee on discipline for the U.S. District Court, Western District. He was also appointed to the Washington State Bar Association disciplinary board by the state Supreme Court. In 1998, he was one of three finalists, nominated by a bipartisan committee of lawyers, to replace federal District Court Judge William Dwyer.

"I am honored to have Governor Locke's confidence and trust in my integrity and ability to serve Kitsap County on the judiciary,” Spearman said. “I am also grateful that so many individuals in the community believe that I have what it takes to excel as a Superior Court judge."

Spearman received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1971, and the Washington Bar in 1987.

Spearman will replace Judge Terry McCluskey, who is retiring. McCluskey served on the bench for seven years.

Locke commended McCluskey for his service to the Kitsap County Superior Court. “We greatly appreciate Judge McCluskey’s years on the Superior Court bench. He will be missed,” Locke said. “I thank Judge McCluskey for his service to the court, Kitsap County, and the state of Washington.”

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