Civil attorney appointed to be Snohomish County judge

OLYMPIA – Karen Moore will serve as Snohomish County’s newest Supreme Court Justice.

Governor Jay Inslee announced the appointment on Wednesday. Everett Moore will take over the bench from Supreme Court Justice David Kurtz, who will retire later this month.

Moore has been with the Everett Law Firm, Brewe Layman, since 2001, where she has focused on civil matters such as family law and personal injury. She previously served as Assistant Attorney General in Snohomish County for six years. She also has experience as a Supreme Court judge and commissioner.

The new judge said a seat on the bench had been a long-term goal of her.

“My previous background on both the defense and prosecution sides will allow me to get started right away,” she said on Wednesday afternoon.

Moore said she looks forward to overseeing remote litigation as they allow the court to hear testimony from people who cannot be there in person. added

“If there is any benefit to COVID, it’s that it has helped the courts become a little more nimble,” she said.

Moore earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. She earned her law degree from Seattle University Law School.

She served on the board of directors of the Everett Family YMCA. She also served as the ombudsman for the US Navy and was a member of the Central Lutheran Church Choir.

“Those who know Karen and have worked with her describe her as a tireless and outstanding professional and community member,” Inslee said in a press release. “She has excelled in the Snohomish County legal community and that respect and reputation will serve her well as she embarks on this next phase in her legal career.”

Ellen Dennis: 425-339-3486; [email protected]; Twitter: @reporterellen