Pierce County Superior Court Judge Terry D. Sebring announced yesterday that he plans to retire at year’s end. His last work day is expected to be Dec. 6.

“Public service has been enjoyable. Making decisions which impact people’s lives is not easy. I have always been committed to government improving itself, and I hope to have made some contributions along the way,” he said.

Sebring, 55, was appointed to the bench in February 1990 and ranks fifth in seniority among the court’s 21 judges.

Active on Superior Court committees, he worked most recently to help create the new Criminal Division Presiding Judge position and procedures to more effectively manage felony criminal cases.

After graduating in the first class of 18 from the University of Puget Sound Law School in 1974, Sebring worked in the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office for seven years doing both criminal and civil trials.

“I have fond memories of the transition of county government in 1981 from the three-commissioner form to the executive/council form. I was chief civil deputy, and it was exciting to be involved in the many changes,” he said.

Sebring was chief civil deputy prosecutor when he left the office to join the administration of Pierce County’s first elected executive, Booth Gardner.

Under Gardner he served two years as administrative officer and a year as personnel director.

“I learned more about sewer projects than I ever wanted to know,” he said.
When Gardner was elected governor, Sebring followed him to Olympia and served five years as his legal counsel.

His future plans include traveling with his family and working to improve a beginner’s golf game.

“Working part-time as a pro tem judge or commissioner, arbitrator, mediator and consultant are all retirement goals,” he said. “I plan to stay in contact with the many friends I have made over the years and encourage them to stay in touch with me via e mail at: TerrySebring@prodigy.net.”