(The Center Square) – Theo Angelis, a partner at the Seattle law firm K&L Gates, has been appointed as the next Washington Supreme Court justice by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Angelis will fill the seat being vacated by Justice Barbara Madsen, who retires on April 3.
“Theo is, in short, a very talented, accomplished lawyer who is also, just as importantly, humble, kind and generous,” the governor said Monday morning from the Temple of Justice in Olympia, home of the state Supreme Court. “Theo has degrees from Claremont McKenna College, the London School of Economics, Oxford University and Yale Law School. He also clerked on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.”
Angelis is an experienced litigator who has overseen numerous appeals.
Ferguson described Angelis as someone who has handled “dozens and dozens and dozens of appeals.”
Beyond his legal acumen, Ferguson touted Angelis’ other qualities.
“He’s a gifted lawyer, and just as important, he works extremely hard, and he has a heart that looks out for all people in our state,” the governor said.
Angelis spoke of the court’s reputation and pledged to uphold it.
“I know members of the court know how deeply respected in this state, but as someone who has the blessing of practicing all over the country and even around the world, this court is deeply respected around this country and even abroad,” he said. “I will work hard every day, I pledge, to be worthy of your example and the great reputation this court has and will hopefully continue to have for the future.”
Following his appointment, Angelis will face an election in November to fill the remainder of Madsen’s term, which expires in January 2029.
State Supreme Court justices must face election at the next general election following their appointment to fill a vacancy.
The state’s highest court is experiencing significant turnover this year.
Ferguson appointed Colleen Melody to the state Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Mary Yu. The appointment was announced in November 2025, and Melody was sworn in on Jan. 21 to fill the seat vacated by Yu at the end of 2025.
Justices Raquel Montoya-Lewis and Charles Johnson are stepping down, with their seats to be filled in the November election.
Montoya-Lewis is not seeking reelection for a second term and Johnson is retiring, as he has reached the mandatory retirement age. State Supreme Court justices are required to retire at the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.
