Lewis County Superior Court commissioner announces candidacy for judge

Emily Fitzgerald, The Chronicle, Centralia, Wash.
·2 min read

Mar. 29—Soon after Lewis County Superior Court Judge James Lawler announced his plan to retire at the end of his term in January, Court Commissioner Paul Strophy announced his candidacy for the position.

"Commissioner Strophy has the experience that makes him the best candidate to replace retiring Judge James Lawler," Strophy's election committee stated in a news release.

Lewis County Superior Court hired Strophy as a constitutional court commissioner, a judicial officer appointed by the three elected Lewis County Superior Court judges, when longtime Court Commissioner Tracy Mitchell retired in December of 2022.

The court commissioner has authority as delegated by the judges to decide all matters submitted to the Superior Court for decision without a jury, whether in court or in chambers, according to previous Chronicle reporting.

Before taking the bench, Strophy had over 16 years of experience in private practice with a diverse caseload in criminal and juvenile defense, civil litigation, estate planning, real property issues, business and contract law, and family law, according to a news release. He also regularly served as a judicial officer in Centralia Municipal Court, Olympia Municipal Court and Thurston County Superior Court.

According to Strophy's campaign committee, he has endorsements from all three sitting Lewis County Superior Court judges, including Lawler himself, as well as retired Lewis County Superior Court judges Richard Brosey and Nelson Hunt, Lewis County District Court Judge R.W. Buzzard and Thurston County Superior Court Judges Christine Schaller, John Skinder and Chris Lanese.

"As a judge, Commissioner Strophy promises to continue his commitment to providing access to the legal system for all who need it. He is committed to always being prepared for all court proceedings and remaining impartial and fair throughout the process," Strophy's election committee stated in the news release.

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. He announced his upcoming retirement on Tuesday.

The position will be up for election on the November 2024 ballot, with the winning candidate assuming office in January 2025.