EVERETT — Longtime attorney Richard Okrent was sworn in Thursday as the newest Snohomish County Superior Court judge.
Gov. Chris Gregoire appointed Okrent to the bench in January after Judge Gerald Knight retired.
Okrent was among five candidates who sought the appointment.
A handful of people spoke at Thursday’s ceremony, including Superior Court Judge Bruce Weiss. Weiss told Okrent that he has large shoes to fill as Knight was a well-respected jurist in the county and across the state.
Other speakers noted that Okrent has earned honors over the years for his commitment to pro bono work for low-income clients. They lauded his commitment to and knowledge of the law and told the audience that Okrent will make an effective judge.
“This is a very humbling experience,” Okrent said after he was sworn in.
Okrent has been a private attorney with Okrent Wogsland Law Office in north Everett. He has served as a pro tem Superior Court commissioner since 2005 and has sought appointment to the bench in the past.
“Richard is a passionate attorney with a keen legal mind who cares deeply for his community and those he serves,” Gregoire said in a press release announcing his appointment.
The position will be on the ballot during this year’s primary. The winner will serve out the remaining year of Knight’s term.
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