Civil attorney appointed to be Snohomish County judge

OLYMPIA — Karen Moore will serve as the newest Snohomish County Superior Court judge.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment Wednesday. Moore, of Everett, will take the bench vacated by Superior Court Judge David Kurtz, who will retire at the end of the month.

Moore has worked at the Everett law firm Brewe Layman since 2001, where she has focused on civil matters such as family law and personal injury. Before that, she served as a deputy prosecutor in Snohomish County for six years. She also has experience as a Superior Court pro tem judge and commissioner.

The new judge said a seat on the bench has been a longtime goal of hers.

“My former background on both the defense and prosecutor sides will enable me to hit the ground running,” she said Wednesday afternoon.

Moore said she looks forward to overseeing remote trial proceedings, as they allow the court to hear testimony from people who can’t be there in-person. added

“If there’s any upside to COVID, it’s that it’s helped the courts become a little bit more nimble,” she said.

Moore earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. She earned her law degree from Seattle University Law School.

She has served on the board of directors for the Everett Family YMCA. She also served as an ombudsman for the U.S. Navy and has been a member of the Central Lutheran Church Choir.

“Those who know Karen and have worked with her describe her as a tireless and stellar professional and community member,” Inslee said in a press release. “She has proven herself in Snohomish County legal circles, and that respect and reputation will serve her well as she begins this next phase of her legal career.”

Ellen Dennis: 425-339-3486; edennis@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterellen