Governor Tina Kotek is on the hunt for a new judge to take the reins of the Union County Justice Court after Judge Rick Dall announced his resignation, set to take effect on February 1, 2026. In an announcement made public yesterday, the Governor's Office shared gratitude towards Judge Dall for his service and commitment to justice while simultaneously issuing a call for applications to fill the soon-to-be-vacant judicial seat.
Lawyers interested in applying for the position have a due date; all applications must be submitted via email by 5:00 p.m. on November 19, to be considered—the process has been streamlined to an electronic submission, with Richard A. Lane, General Counsel for the Governor's Office, and Shevaun Gutridge, set to receive the forms at [email protected], further information on the process can be obtained directly from Ms. Gutridge.
In her search for the new appointee, Governor Kotek is championing a merit-based selection process, encouraging legal professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. The eligibility for appointment is defined under ORS 51.240; applicants are encouraged to review the statute to ensure they meet the qualifications laid out within it, as per the Governor's Office.
Each judicial interest form can be found and downloaded online, designed to make the process accessible, should any further inquiries arise, prospective candidates can reach out to Shevaun Gutridge at 503-378-6246 or via the provided email, the Governor's Office punctuating every step of this process with encouragement for a broad pool of applicants, aspiring to reflect the varied tapestry of experiences that people in the legal field bring to the bench.
This judicial vacancy presents an opportunity for new leadership within Union County's legal system, as Governor Kotek’s administration continues its objective of balancing experience and representation in the judiciary. Full details of the application process and the qualifications required can be found on the Governor's Office official announcement.
