Gregoire Appoints Superior Court Judge

Pierce County has a new superior court judge.

Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Gary Johnson - president and senior partner of Tacoma firm Kram, Johnson, Wooster & McLaughlin.

He replaces Judge Gary Steiner, who retired February 1.

Here is today's full release from Pierce County:

Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced she will appoint Gary Johnson to the Pierce County Superior Court. Johnson is currently president and senior partner at the law offices of Kram, Johnson, Wooster & McLaughlin in Tacoma. Johnson replaces Judge Gary Steiner, who retired February 1, 2011. 

"Gary brings a depth and breadth of experience to his new position on the Superior Court," Gregoire said. "The variety of cases he has handled in his private practice and over his career includes both civil and criminal cases. His deep understanding of the law and his commitment to fairness provide a solid foundation as he joins the Pierce County Superior Court."

"A Superior Court Judge is charged with solemn responsibilities," said Johnson. "I am humbled that Governor Gregoire has asked me to assume these duties. I am looking forward to joining our distinguished judiciary to serve the citizens of Pierce County."

Johnson joined Kram, Johnson, Wooster & McLaughlin in 1987, where his practice has been a mix of appeals, estate planning and probate, construction and contract law, along with commercial and real estate civil litigation. He also served as a contract city prosecutor for the city of Gig Harbor and handled matters that came before the municipal court, including DUIs, domestic violence charges and gross misdemeanor assaults.

Prior to his current position, Johnson served as pro tem judge for Kitsap County District Court and the Port Orchard Municipal Court. He has also handled a few cases as a pro tem judge for the Pierce County Superior Court.

"Pierce County Superior Court has a great deal of work awaiting Gary. But he has broad civil practice experience that will serve him and the public well," said Pierce County Superior Court Presiding Judge Bryan Chushcoff. "Gary also has personal qualities of diligence, patience and intelligence to be an excellent judge. He has my confidence and that of the rest of our bench. He also has our wishes for a long and successful career with the court."

"Gary will be a strong addition to the Pierce County Superior Court bench," said Judge Marywave Van Deren of the Court of Appeals in Tacoma. "He has exhibited an enthusiasm for, curiosity about, and devotion to the law throughout his many years of legal practice. He stands out as intellectually and emotionally suited to assume the enormous responsibilities that superior court judges bear. The citizens are indeed fortunate that he is going to succeed Judge Gary Steiner, who was an outstanding jurist."

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound. He later earned his law degree with honors from the UPS Law School in 1982, where he later served as adjunct professor.