Oregon Judicial Vacancies

Circuit Courts - Recent Vacancies

Governor Brown Announces Linn County Justice Court Vacancy

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Linn County Justice Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Jad Lemhouse. The Governor thanked Judge Lemhouse for his dedicated judicial service, and announced that she will fill the position by appointment. Judge Lemhouse’s retirement takes effect December 31, 2018.

The Governor’s office will use its standard Circuit Court Interest Form for this Justice Court vacancy. Interested applicants should mail or deliver their completed application forms to: Misha Isaak, General Counsel, Office of the Governor, 900 Court Street NE, Suite 254, Salem, OR 97301-4047. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. Forms emailed by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date will be considered timely so long as original signed forms postmarked by the closing date are later received.

Governor Kate Brown fills judicial vacancies based on merit. She encourages applications from lawyers with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. ORS 51.240 sets forth the qualifications for office. Applicants should review the statute to confirm their eligibility for appointment.

To receive answers to questions about the appointment process, or to request an interest form, contact Shevaun Gutridge at 503-378-6246 or shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov.

The judicial interest form is also available online.

Circuit Courts � Recent Appointments

Governor Brown Appoints Todd Van Rysselberghe to Clackamas County Circuit Court

(Salem, OR) � Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Todd L. Van Rysselberghe to the Clackamas County Circuit Court. Mr. Van Rysselberghe will fill the vacancy created by Judge Robert D. Herndon�s retirement, which takes effect June 30, 2018. The appointment is effective immediately thereafter.

�Todd Van Rysselberghe�s extensive experience in family law, his passion for serving Clackamas County, and his judicial temperament will serve him well as a circuit court judge,� Governor Brown said. �Given his skills and experience, including years of service as a volunteer pro tem judge, I have no doubt that Todd will serve the people of Clackamas County well.�

For nearly thirty years, Mr. Van Rysselberghe practiced as a litigator at Kennedy Watts Arellano LLP, specializing in domestic relations matters. He previously clerked for Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Herrell, after earning his bachelor�s degree from the University of Oregon and his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.

In recent years, Mr. Van Rysselberghe has volunteered as a circuit court judge pro tem in Clackamas County, assisting the court with its juvenile drug court, attendance court, and domestic relations motion docket. He also has served as a pro tem judge in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Governor Brown Appoints Laura Cromwell to Jackson County Circuit Court

Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Laura A. Cromwell to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Ms. Cromwell will fill the vacancy created by Judge Patricia Crain’s retirement. Her appointment is effective September 1.  
 
“Laura Cromwell is a hard-working prosecutor with unbounded talent, who is both compassionate and fair,” Governor Brown said. “I have no doubt that she will serve the people of Jackson County well as a circuit court judge.”
 
Ms. Cromwell grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before moving to Oregon to attend college at Willamette University. After graduating from Willamette, she earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.  Since 2007, Ms. Cromwell has prosecuted criminal cases as a Deputy District Attorney in Jackson County. In recent years, she has served as the county’s first Mental Health Deputy District Attorney, representing her office in all mental health related cases, as well as civil commitment hearings. 

Governor Brown Appoints Debra Velure to Lane County Circuit Court

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Debra E. Velure to the Lane County Circuit Court.  Ms. Velure will fill the vacancy created by Judge Karsten H. Rasmussen’s retirement.  Her appointment is effective immediately. 
 
“Debra Velure brings a wealth of civil litigation experience, an even-keeled approach, and a deep commitment to her community,” Governor Brown said.  “I am so pleased that she is willing to serve the people of Lane County in her new role as circuit court judge.”
 
Ms. Velure is a trial attorney in the Law Office of Julie D. Elkins, where she represents Farmers Insurance.  During her twenty-five year legal career, Ms. Velure has litigated a wide range of matters, including personal injury cases, tort claims, complex business litigation, and employment law issues.  She also served as a pro tem judge for the Lane County Circuit Court from 2014 to 2016.  Ms. Velure earned her bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University, and her law degree from the University of Oregon.
 
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Velure has been active in professional and community activities.  She is past president of Oregon Women Lawyers, was a member of the City of Eugene’s Civilian Review Board, and currently serves on the Oregon State Bar’s Local Disciplinary Board and Board of Accountancy.

Union/Wallowa County, 10th Judicial District Circuit Court Appointment

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will appoint Wallowa County District Attorney Mona K. Williams to the position of Circuit Judge on Oregon’s Tenth Judicial District, which encompasses Union and Wallowa Counties. Ms. Williams will fill the vacancy created by Judge Russell B. West’s retirement, which takes effect May 31, 2018. Her appointment is effective immediately thereafter. She is the first woman to serve as a circuit judge in Union and Wallowa Counties.

“Mona Williams has devoted her professional career to serving the people of northeast Oregon,” Governor Brown said. “I am so grateful that she is once again willing to answer the call and serve her community and our state, this time as a circuit court judge.”

A native of Wallowa County, Ms. Williams graduated from Joseph High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University and her law degree from the University of Idaho. Ms. Williams practiced law for several years as a sole practitioner in Wallowa County. Since 2007, she has served as the Wallowa County District Attorney.

In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Williams has served the local bar as well. She is a past president of the Wallowa County Bar Association, and a past chair of the Union/Wallowa Local Professional Responsibility Committee.