OLYMPIA — On Friday, Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Washington Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Richardson to the Grant County Superior Court. Richardson’s appointment has already taken effect, beginning Jan. 9.

“I am honored by this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Grant County,” Richardson said in a statement. “I am committed to careful, fair decision-making and to treating every person who comes before the court with dignity and respect.”

This appointment fills the vacancy left by Judge Tyson R. Hill, who was appointed to the Court of Appeals, Division III in November. He began that role Jan. 1. Further information on Hill’s appointment can be read at bit.ly/cbhHill.

“I feel a combination of feelings, including thrilled, because this is what I have always wanted to do ever since I clerked. There is going to be a lot about what I do right now that I am going to miss, particularly the people and also doing jury trials,” Hill said in a previous interview with the Columbia Basin Herald. “I am going to miss even the small things. Across from the courthouse, there’s a church that plays bells every hour and I am going to miss hearing that, but I am excited for the new adventure.”

Richardson has over two decades of legal experience and a background in litigation and public service. She has held the position of managing assistant attorney general at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General for the past four years, representing state agencies across Grant, Douglas, Chelan and Okanogan counties.

In her current role, Richardson supervises a team of four attorneys and two paralegals, offering legal advice and training to client agencies. She has been with the Attorney General’s Office for a total of 12 years.

“Jennifer Richardson’s legal expertise and years of public service will make her an excellent Grant County judge,” Ferguson said in a statement.

Before her tenure with the Attorney General’s Office, Richardson accumulated more than 12 years as a deputy prosecutor at the Okanogan County Prosecutor’s Office. She served as chief criminal deputy prosecutor for nine years, where she was responsible for overseeing and prosecuting cases in both Okanogan County Superior Court and Okanogan County District Court.

Richardson also practiced as a public defender at the Law Offices of Scot D. Stuart, representing criminal defendants in various legal proceedings.

Richardson will be serving alongside judges Anna L. Gigliotti and Melissa K. Chlarson at the Grant County Superior Court.

Outside of her legal work, Richardson has served on the Attorney General’s Racial Equity Unit Goal Planning Committee, Manager Training Committee and Basic Litigation Skills Committee, according to Ferguson’s statement. During her time at the Attorney General’s Office, she received multiple performance awards for her work.

Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and a law degree from Syracuse University. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, gardening and spending time with her family.