After 17 years on the bench, Lewis County Superior Court Judge James Lawler announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of his term in January 2025.
“It has been an honor to serve Lewis County these many years and I am grateful for the trust and support I have received throughout my tenure,” Lawler said in a written statement announcing his retirement.
Lawler has held Position 2 in Lewis County Superior Court since he was first elected to the seat in 2007. He served as court commissioner pro tem from 1997 to 2007.
“Over the years, I have presided over thousands of cases. It was always my goal to give each litigant an opportunity to be heard as they exercised their rights. I tried to ensure fairness and compassion in my decisions, knowing the profound impact they had on the lives of those who appeared before me,” Lawler said.
Before taking a seat on the bench, Lawler practiced law in Lewis County for 24 years, according to previous Chronicle reporting. He was a partner in the law firm of Olson, Althauser, Lawler and Samuelson from 1980 to 2007, handling estate planning, probate and business planning cases in addition to felony and misdemeanor defense.
Lawler graduated from Washington State University in 1979 and from law school at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in 1982.
“I am thankful for the opportunity I had to work with other judges, dedicated staff members and lawyers, all of whom do their best to provide an invaluable service to the public,” Lawler said. “As I move on to the next phase of my life, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences I have had and the lessons I have learned while on the bench. I will miss the daily interactions in court, but I look forward to new experiences, travel, and time with my family.”
Lawler is currently the senior of three Lewis County Superior Court judges. His benchmates, Judge J. Andrew Toynbee and Judge Joely Yeager, were both elected to their respective seats in 2017.
Lawler’s position will be up for election on the November 2024 ballot.
“I extend my thanks to those people who supported me throughout my career. I am confident that Lewis County Superior Court will be left in good hands and that the community will be well served,” Lawler said.
