Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for two judicial vacancies on the Lane County Circuit Court. These vacancies are created by the passage of SB 95, which the Governor signed into law on July 24, 2025.

SB 95 adds judicial positions to Douglas, Lane, and Clackamas Counties, effective January 1, 2026. The Governor’s Office is accepting applications for the two Lane County Circuit Court positions only.

An announcement regarding applications for Clackamas County will be made separately.

Interested applicants for the new Lane County positions 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 24, 2025.

Governor Kotek fills judicial vacancies based on merit. She encourages applications from lawyers with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

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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