Judge Brian Tollefson, Pierce County Superior Court’s most senior judge, has announced his retirement effective May 31, 2016.

Tollefson was elected to Superior Court in 1988 and has served continuously in that position without opposition for over 27 years.

During that time, he was on the Executive Committee, served as presiding judge, and worked on a number of local Superior Court committees during his many years of judicial service. He also has been active in the Washington State Superior Court Judges Association, with membership in several committees and participation on the Board of Trustees over his years of service.

Tollefson is deeply committed to continuing judicial education. As a result, he pursued and earned a Master’s in judicial studies from the University of
Nevada, Reno in 2009. In 2007, Tollefson joined what is now known as the National Courts & Science Institute and became a Science and Technology Fellow
in 2009. Before being elected to the Superior Court bench, Tollefson was an attorney in private law practice for 10 years. Prior to private practice, he served for two years as a law clerk to the Honorable Charles T. Wright, Chief Justice, on the Washington Supreme Court.
“Superior Court wishes to express our deep appreciation for Judge Tollefson’s many contributions to Superior Court and the justice system in Washington
state,” said Frank Cuthbertson, Superior Court Presiding Judge. “Among his many noteworthy accomplishments, Judge Tollefson has been a leader in
bringing cutting-edge new technology to the Court which has resulted in greater efficiency and cost savings. He will be sorely missed by the Judges and staff in Superior Court.”