Yakima Judge Appointment Expands Court

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  Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Bree Black Horse to Yakima County Superior Court“Olympia – Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Bree Black Horse to the position of Yakima County Superior Court Judge.”
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  The appointment was on September 9, 2026“September 09, 2026 Story Body Black Horse joins Yakima County Bench in first expansion in nearly 20 years OLYMPIA – Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Bree Black Horse to the position of Yakima County Superior Court Judge.”
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  Bree Black Horse was appointed to fill a new judicial position“Black Horse’s appointment, effective today, fills the new position created by a law signed by Governor Ferguson earlier this year.”
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  The new judicial position was created by legislation signed earlier this year“Black Horse’s appointment, effective today, fills the new position created by a law signed by Governor Ferguson earlier this year.”
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  This marks the first expansion of Yakima County's court system since 1998“This is the first new position added to the Yakima County Superior Court since 1998.”
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  Black Horse is a career litigator with over 12 years of experience in criminal and civil cases“Black Horse is a career litigator with more than 12 years of experience handling criminal and civil cases in federal, state and Tribal courts.”
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  Black Horse previously served as an Assistant U. S. Attorney focused on Missing or Murdered Indigenous People cases“Black Horse previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, where she became the first regional prosecutor in the Northwest dedicated to addressing cases involving Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).”
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  Black Horse represented Tribal governments“She currently practices at the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, where she represents Tribal governments and enterprises in complex civil litigation and governmental matters.”
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  Black Horse served as a law professor at Seattle UniversityNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The appointment addresses longstanding court capacity issues in Yakima CountyNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Caseloads in Yakima County have grown significantly over the past two decadesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The new position was authorized by state law“Black Horse’s appointment, effective today, fills the new position created by a law signed by Governor Ferguson earlier this year.”
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  The new position was created to improve access to justice in the regionNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.