On Thursday, Seot. 26, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph appointed attorney Anthony Gipe to fill the Kent Municipal Court judge seat that will be vacant when Judge Glenn Phillips retires at the end of the year.
Gipe is currently serving as a pro tem judge for the Kent Municipal Court, King County District Court and other local courts.
Gipe’s appointment will be effective January 1, 2020, and he will be sworn in ceremonially at the first council meeting of 2020. Gipe will serve the remainder of Judge Phillips’ term. Starting November 1, Gipe will work closely with the Kent Municipal Court and Judge Phillips and Judge Michael Frans to ensure a seamless transition.
“I am excited to appoint Anthony Gipe as our next Kent Municipal Court judge. He has demonstrated the ability to treat everyone with respect and to apply the law fairly,” said Mayor Ralph. “He will make a great addition to our judicial team.”
A Navy veteran and a graduate of the University of Washington, Gipe has been an attorney for almost 20 years and has experience in both civil and criminal law. He is a member of the King County Bar Association, Washington Supreme Court Minority & Justice Commission, Center for Children & Youth Justice, Washington State Bar Association, LGBT Bar Association of Washington and the Washington State Association for Justice.
“I chose to apply for this position because Kent is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in King County,” said Gipe. “I hope that I can help the court meet the challenges of being a growing community with an inclusive court where everyone who comes before us is heard and respected. I look forward to serving the court and the people of Kent.”
