Qualified lawyers invited to apply for new Jackson County Circuit Court judicial position

Rogue Valley Times staff report

Gov. Tina Kotek’s office is inviting qualified lawyers to apply for two new judicial positions, including one in Jackson County Circuit Court. 

The announcement, made in a news release Monday, comes after Kotek signed Senate Bill 1541 into law March 27. 

The bill was introduced after lawmakers identified three counties that had the greatest need for judges, including Washington and Clackamas along with Jackson County. However, the release said, the governor’s office will conduct an application and screening process for the Clackamas position “at a later date.”

The Jackson and Washington county positions are effective July 1, 2025, the release said.

Candidates must meet several qualifications, including a current membership with the Oregon State Bar and residency or an office in the judicial district they are applying for. Jackson County is located in Judicial District 1.

Interested applicants should address their completed application forms to Richard A. Lane, general counsel for the Office of the Governor, and email them to Lane’s executive assistant, Shevaun Gutridge, at shevaun.gutridge@oregon.go no later than 5 p.m. April 24.

Applicants who have previously applied for appointment with Jackson and Washington counties’ circuit courts must reapply if they wish to be considered for these new positions, the release said.

This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.