Karli Jorgensen appointed as Kent Municipal Court judge

The Kent City Council Tuesday night unanimously confirmed the appointment of Karli Jorgensen to Kent’s Municipal Court to replace Judge Robert McSeveney.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke appointed Jorgensen, who has served as Kent’s primary pro teem judge since 1996.

“Ms. Jorgensen has a great wealth of experience on the municipal bench,” Cooke said in a media release. “She already knows our system, and her dedication to community service makes her a tremendous asset to our city.”

McSeveney resigned as judge in October to accept a position as a federal immigration judge.

Kent Municipal Judge Glenn Phillips congratulated and welcomed Jorgensen to the bench. Kent has two full-time judges.

“I have known Judge Jorgensen her entire legal career," Phillips said. "She’s smart, experienced and her work ethic is second to none. I look forward to working with her."

Jorgensen holds a law degree from the University of Washington. Since 1985, she has worked in both government and private practice engaging in criminal and civil law.

She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, as well as the United States District Court of Western Washington and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Judge Phillips swore in Jorgensen on Wednesday. Her term expires Dec. 31, 2013. The judge who will serve in the position beginning Jan. 1, 2014 will be determined by the November 2013 election.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

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