Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he is appointing Philip Sorensen to Pierce County Superior Court.

Sorensen has served in the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office for more than 24 years and is the current Chief Criminal Deputy. He has a long record of professional and community service in Pierce County that includes extensive trial experience, work as a Pro Tem judge, and volunteer work with a range of organizations.

“Phil has worked his way up from the front lines and has rightfully earned a reputation in Pierce County as a skilled and committed prosecutor,” said Inslee. “I have full confidence he’ll be a highly competent and effective addition to the bench in Pierce County.”

“Our community is well served by Governor Inslee’s appointment of Chief Criminal Deputy Phil Sorensen to the Superior Court bench,” said Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “I’m confident Phil will bring the values of the Prosecutor’s Office – public service, hard work, and professionalism – to his new role as a judge.”

Sorensen is replacing Judge Linda Lee who was recently appointed to the Court of Appeals, Division II. His term is effective April 1, 2014.