Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Douglas County Circuit Court. This vacancy was created by the passage of Senate Bill 95, which the Governor signed into law on July 24, 2025.

Senate Bill 95 adds judicial positions to Douglas, Lane, and Clackamas Counties, effective January 1, 2026. The Governor’s Office is currently only accepting applications for the Douglas County Circuit Court. An announcement regarding applications for Lane and Clackamas Counties will be made separately.

Interested applicants for the new Douglas County position should address their completed application forms to Richard A. Lane, General Counsel, Office of the Governor, and email (no mail or hand delivery) those completed forms to Shevaun Gutridge at shevaun.gutridge@oregon.gov. Forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Governor Kotek appoints judges based on merit and welcomes applications from attorneys with diverse backgrounds and experience.

ORS 3.041 and 3.050 provide that at the time of appointment to the court, the candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Oregon, and a member of the Oregon State Bar. In addition, ORS 3.041(2) requires the vacancy to be filled by a person who is a resident of or has a principal office in the judicial district or an adjacent judicial district.

For 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.

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