Gov. Gary Locke recently appointed Bainbridge Island attorney Ted Spearman to the Kitsap County Superior Court. He will replace Judge Terry McCluskey, who is retiring after seven years on the bench.

“I am pleased to add Ted to a branch of government that is so important to our democratic system,” Locke said. “Ted is everything you would want, both personally and professionally, in a Superior Court judge.”

Spearman operates his own law practice on Bainbridge Island and has specialized in civil litigation, primarily as a plaintiff’s attorney. His focus has been on constitutional litigation and tort claims, handling issues like medical malpractice, product liability, and toxics exposure.

He is also the Washington state coordinator for the non-profit Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. He serves on the standing committee on discipline for the U.S. District Court, Western District and was also appointed to the Washington State Bar Association disciplinary board by the state Supreme Court. In 1998, he was one of three finalists, nominated by a bipartisan committee of lawyers, to replace federal District Court Judge William Dwyer.

“I am honored to have Governor Locke’s confidence and trust in my integrity and ability to serve Kitsap County on the judiciary,” Spearman said. “I am also grateful that so many individuals in the community believe that I have what it takes to excel as a Superior Court judge.”

Spearman received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1971 and the Washington Bar in 1987.