Newest Superior Court Judge

Long-time public defender Paul Thompson was appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court this month by Gov. Jay Inslee. Paul will replace retiring Judge Ellen Fair.

Paul has spent the past 11 years at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association handling high-profile cases as well as serving as both the misdemeanor and felony attorney supervisor. Prior to joining SCPDA, he was a public defender in Chelan County. Paul graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law and Eastern Washington University.

Paul will step down from his volunteer positions as the President of the Washington Defender Association and as a board member from the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

“Paul is highly regarded by those who know him and have worked with him. His even and professional temperament, and his sense of justice, will be a fine addition to the Snohomish County bench,” Inslee said. Paul was deemed exceptionally well qualified or well qualified by the Washington State Veterans Bar Association, Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee, and the Latina/Latino Bar Association of Washington, Loren Miller Bar Association, Washington Women Laws, QLaw, and The Cardozo Society. Paul is also known by his peers as a legal scholar with a philosophical approach to legal analysis.

Thank you, Paul, for your service to our clients and this office. Governor Inslee has stated that “the selection of experienced, independent, and well-qualified lawyers to joining the bench is vital to maintaining not only an efficient judicial system, but also a health democracy and vital economy.” We know you will be a strong addition to the bench.

Congratulations!