Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 3, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Appoints J. Wesley Saint Clair to King County Superior Court

Gov. Gary Locke today appointed King County District Court Judge J. Wesley Saint Clair to the King County Superior Court.

“I am pleased to add Wesley to a branch of government that is so vital to our democratic system,” Locke said. “He has the legal skills, the demeanor and the experience to be a top-notch Superior Court judge.”

Saint Clair has more than 22 years of legal experience. He was appointed to the King County District Court in 1991. Prior to his election, he worked in private practice on both civil and criminal matters.

He is the presiding judge of the King County District Court, where he has been a strong leader during a period of change for the court. He has been a member of a number of King County committees dealing with criminal justice issues, and he serves on the District Court Funding Task Force for the Board of Judicial Administration. The King County Bar Association recognized Saint Clair as its 2003 Judge of the Year.

“I want to thank Governor Locke for selecting me for this position,” Saint Clair said. “I am humbled and honored, and I will give my best for the people of King County. The community will be well-served if I can accomplish a fraction of the good deeds performed by Judge Haley while he was on the bench.”

Saint Clair received his bachelor’s degree in African history and economics from Yale University and his law degree from the University of Washington. He was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1982.

Saint Clair will replace retiring Judge Donald Haley, who has served on the bench since 1983.

“Judge Haley has been one of our most experienced judges and a leader in the judiciary,” Locke said. “We greatly appreciate Judge Haley’s years on the Superior Court bench. We will miss his wisdom and experience.”

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