In a July 20 news release, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Maureen McKee to the King County Superior Court bench.

McKee has been serving with King County Department of Public Defense as the Managing Attorney of The Defender Association Division, and has served with the division for 12 years.

“Throughout her career, Maureen has developed a strong understanding of the inequities existing within our justice system,” Inslee said. “King County Superior Court will benefit greatly from having someone with her experience and perspective on the bench.”

During her time with The Defender Association Division, McKee rose to a supervisor role, mentoring and providing guidance to less experienced public defenders, before assuming her duties as interim managing attorney. Before joining King County, her experience focused on immigrant, minority and disability rights in the United States and gender and property rights in Mostar, Bosnia.

Judge McKee received her law degree from Cornell Law School, studied at the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College.

Her appointment is effective today, and she replaces Judge Lori Smith, who was recently named to the State Court of Appeals, Division 1. Judge Smith was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench on January 24, 2012 by Governor Christine Gregoire.

The Superior Court shared the news about both McKee and Smith on Twitter.