Olympia has appointed Thurston County Superior Court Commissioner Pamella Nogueira as the new Municipal Court Judge.
Replacing Scott Ahlf, now Washington State’s court services director for the Administrative Office of Courts, Nogueira will direct the judicial operations of the Court and Probations services, as well as the Olympia Community Court.
“I am honored and humbled to serve the City of Olympia as its next Municipal Court judge,” said Nogueira in a press release. “I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with such a stellar court staff. I think together we can make a big difference and help a lot of people.”
Mayor Cheryl Selby appointed Nogueira under RCW 3.50.093, which allows the mayor to appoint a replacement to finish Ahlf’s term as municipal judge. After making a call for applicants, the city screened applications and identified and interviewed five finalists on August 21.
“Ms. Nogueira rose above other candidates with her experience as a court commissioner on the bench presiding over Thurston County Superior Court juvenile probation reviews; serving as a judge pro tem for the City of Olympia Municipal Court, among other municipal courts; her varied experience as a public defender; her commitment to restorative justice; and her community and volunteer involvement,” Selby explained.
“She will be a great fit to lead our Community Court program expansion as well,” the mayor added.
According to the city, Nogueira first came to the U.S. as a 15-year-old exchange student. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor at the University of Washington School of Law and to serve as a private practice attorney, a public defender, and in a series of judicial positions, including judge pro tem in municipal and district court settings and as court commissioner in both Grays Harbor County and Thurston County Superior courts.
Nogueira will finish Ahlf’s uncompleted term, which will end in December 2025, pending the results of the 2025 general election.
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AugieH
What? JOLT couldn't attach a photo of Judge Nogueira to the story but opted to use a stock photo? Did its Brownie camera run out of film?
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 Report this
RondaLarsonKramer
Commissioner Nogueira’s absence from the Thurston County Court will be felt. Her fairness and perceptiveness were an asset to the county’s judicial system.
Friday, September 8, 2023 Report this