Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has named two new appointees to the judicial benches of Multnomah and Clackamas counties. Elisa Dozono and Cierra Brown were announced as the latest additions to the state's judiciary, stepping in to fill vacancies that have emerged due to a retirement and legislative change. Dozono's appointment took immediate effect, while Brown's is slated to become operative come July 1, according to a release from the Governor's office.
Dozono is set to occupy the seat left vacant by the retirement of Judge Tom Ryan on the Multnomah County bench. Her career extends through various facets of law, from business litigation to government lawyering, and she brings to the position a history of both legal and community engagement. Dozono has been acting as a Judge Pro Tempore in Washington County since 2018 and bears the distinction of being the first Japanese American to ascend to the trial court bench within the tri-county region.
Brown's appointment fills a new position created by the Oregon legislature with the passage of SB 1541, demonstrating the government's effort to respond to evolving judicial needs. As the managing partner of Metro Law Group, Brown's expertise spans criminal defense, especially pertaining to court-appointed and behavioral health cases. Her experience includes appearances in both the Clackamas Circuit Court and multiple municipal courts, and she is currently presiding as a Municipal Court Judge in Lake Oswego.
The appointments reflect Governor Kotek's commitment to bolstering the judicial system with experienced professionals who are deeply ingrained in their communities. Both Dozono and Brown bring forth a blend of legal acumen and nuanced understanding of the regions they are about to serve. For those interested in glimpsing the new appointees, a photograph of Ms. Dozono has been made available through the state's online newsroom.
