Gov. Inslee announces pick to serve as Whatcom County’s new Superior Court judge

A Bellingham family lawyer and pro tem court commissioner will be Whatcom County’s newest Superior Court judge, Gov. Jay Inslee said Friday.

Inslee appointed Jennifer E. Slattery to the Whatcom County Superior Court bench, filling a fifth seat created by the Legislature earlier this year.

“Jennifer Slattery is dedicated to her community. She is respected, experienced, and well-prepared to serve Whatcom County in this role,” Inslee said in an emailed statement. “I’m pleased that she will bring her integrity, work ethic, and compassion to the Whatcom County Superior Court bench.”

In her 15-year legal career, Slattery has concentrated on family law and general civil litigation, according to biographical information included with Inslee’s announcement. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a law degree from Seattle University Law School.

“For the last seven years, Slattery has operated her own small firm , consistently employing students part-time to build practical experience. Her family law practice includes litigation, collaborative law and mediation,” Inslee said.

Since 2023, Slattery has served as a pro tem commissioner for the Whatcom County Superior Court, presiding over minor guardianship, protection orders, dependency, juvenile detention, unlawful detainers and criminal arraignments, according to Inslee’s statement.

Slattery is a member of the Bellingham Sunrise Rotary Club and has served for several years as a board director with the Whatcom Community College Foundation. She provides free legal services through LAW Advocates and Street Law clinics.