CWU alumna appointed to King County Superior Court bench

Governor Jay Inslee has appointed a Central Washington University alumna to the King County Superior Court, and she will assume her new role on February 1.

Jennifer R. Petersen (’99) has spent the past 20 years representing the people as a trial attorney in the criminal and civil Divisions of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. During her time serving in the criminal division, Petersen tried approximately 80 jury trials, including domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide cases. In the civil division, her practice focused on employment litigation.

Petersen will replace Judge Kristin Richardson, who is retiring at the end of the month.

“Jennifer Petersen is a skilled and dedicated public servant,” Inslee said in a December 30 news release. “She is well-respected by her colleagues and opposing counsel and is well-prepared to serve King County in this role. I'm pleased that she will bring her integrity, work ethic, and compassion to the King County Superior Court bench.”

In addition to her service with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Petersen has worked to mentor younger lawyers in her office. She also served as a volunteer facilitator on her office's equity action group, which reviewed the office's filing and disposition standards through the lens of equity and social justice.

Petersen has also been active in her community, volunteering with several organizations, including the YMCA as a mock trial judge. Through her church, she cooks and serves meals to women and children in need.

After earning her bachelor's degree in public relations from CWU, she went on to pursue a law degree at the University of Washington.