Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 15, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Appoints Marywave Van Deren to Court of Appeals

Gov. Gary Locke today appointed Superior Court Judge Marywave Van Deren to the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II.

“I am pleased to add Judge Marywave Van Deren to the Court of Appeals bench,” Locke said. “She is an extremely well-regarded, experienced judge. She has the wisdom, skills and work ethic necessary to be an excellent Court of Appeals judge.”

Van Deren has been a Pierce County Superior Court judge since 1996. She has also filled in pro-tem on the Court of Appeals bench to help with the court’s backlog. She previously worked in private practice in Tacoma, handling a variety of civil matters before focusing on family law.

Van Deren is the Superior Court Judges Association’s representative to the Washington State Court Appointed Special Advocates Board. She has also served on many important committees in the Superior Court Judges Association, and she has been very involved with the state and Pierce County bar associations.

“I am thrilled and delighted that Governor Locke has chosen me from among the many excellent candidates,” Van Deren said. “I look forward to moving from the trial court to the Court of Appeals and engaging in collaborative decision making on important issues of law for the people of Washington.”

Van Deren attended the University of Washington, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She also received a master of library science and a law degree from UW. She was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1982.

Van Deren will replace Judge Karen Seinfeld, who is retiring.

Seinfeld was the first woman appointed to the Division II Court of Appeals. She previously served as a Pierce County Superior Court judge for five years.

“We greatly appreciate Judge Seinfeld’s years on the Court of Appeals and Superior Court bench; she will be missed,” Locke said. “I thank Judge Seinfeld for her service to Pierce County and the state of Washington.”

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