Gov. Hobbs Appoints Sandra Bensley to Pima County Superior Court

Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Sandra Bensley, a Tucson native with 17 years of legal experience, to the Pima County Superior Court.Photo byTingey Injury Law FirmonUnsplash

PHOENIX – Governor Katie Hobbs announced today the appointment of Sandra Bensley to the Pima County Superior Court. Bensley, who previously served as a court commissioner, brings 17 years of legal experience, specializing in probate and criminal law.

Bensley's career includes roles as an assistant public defender with the Pima County Public Defender’s Office and as an assistant city prosecutor for the city of Glendale.

Her appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Javier Chon-Lopez, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.

“Sandra Bensley has deep roots in Southern Arizona, and her breadth of legal experience makes her well-equipped for this important role,” Gov. Hobbs said in a statement. “I am proud to appoint her to the Pima County Superior Court, where she will continue her exemplary service to the people of Arizona.”

Bensley’s legal background includes 11 years in private practice, where she focused on probate, trusts, estate planning, guardianship, and conservatorship matters. She was most recently a partner at Waterfall, Economidis, Caldwell, Hanshaw & Villamana, P.C.

In addition to her legal experience, Bensley has served on the State Bar of Arizona’s Board of Governors and as President of the Southern Arizona Chapter of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association.

A Tucson native and fluent in Spanish, Bensley was named a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2019.

Structure of the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County

The Arizona Superior Court in Pima County is comprised of 53 judicial officers who hear a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, and probate matters.

The court is overseen by a Presiding Judge and an Associate Presiding Judge, who manage its operations.

Each division, or “bench,”—criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, and probate—has its own bench presiding judge responsible for overseeing that specific area, according to its website.