Newest Tri-City judge sworn in on Benton-Franklin Superior Court

Jackie Shea Brown settled into her seat atop the bench after being sworn as the newest judge and took in the view.

“I need my glasses,” she told the crowd in the packed courtroom.

Shea Brown officially became the seventh Benton-Franklin Superior Court judge on Friday, leaving her plenty of time to get accustomed to the view.

She was one of five Tri-City lawyers who applied for the open position. The former Richland family and criminal law attorney was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee on Oct. 5.

Shea Brown was brought to tears as she thanked everyone who has had a hand in making her dream of becoming a Superior Court judge come true.

Shea Brown’s father, Ed Shea, a senior federal judge in Eastern Washington, was on hand at the ceremony, along with family and friends.

“The support has been a tremendous blessing,” Shea Brown told the crowd.

Those who spoke at the ceremony complimented Shea Brown on her work ethic and legal background, but they also took time to recognize the significance of the appointment, which creates diversity among the Superior Court judges.

Shea Brown is now one of three women to become a Benton-Franklin Superior Court judge. Former Judge Carolyn Brown was the first, appointed in 1988, and current Judge Carrie Runge was appointed in 2004.

“We are also celebrating the fact that you are inaugurating a new chair on this bench, the seventh position on this bench, and I know all of your colleagues on the court are saying to themselves right now ‘at last, thank God,’ ” Dennis Yule told Shea Brown.

Judge Robert Swisher, who presided over the ceremony, told the crowd Shea Brown’s previous work in both criminal and family law will smooth her transition.

“I truly think her practice is a perfect fit for our Superior Court bench,” he said.

Shea Brown owns Tri-Cities Law Group with her husband, Russ Brown. She earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Washington and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Shea Brown will face election in 2016 to retain her position.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 10:24 PM with the headline "Newest Tri-City judge sworn in on Benton-Franklin Superior Court."