On July 26th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Keri J. Smith Church to the Benton County Circuit Court. Smith fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Locke Williams. The appointment is effective immediately.

“Keri Smith has demonstrated that she will lead as judge with fairness and integrity,” Governor Kotek said. “I am grateful for her willingness to serve our state.”

Smith (she/her), a partner with Barnhisel, Barlow, Stephens & Smith P.C., and former partner with Ringo, Stuber, Ensor, Hadlock & Smith, P.C., is highly experienced in the areas of family law, criminal law, and guardianships and conservatorships. She is deeply committed to serving the community and has served as past president of the Linn-Benton Bar Association, a member of the Benton County Family Law Advisory Committee, Secretary of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and Chair of the Oregon State Bar Family Law Section Executive Board.

A photograph of Smith can be found here.