Hobbs Appoints Laine McDonald to Fill Vacant Pima Superior Court Judge Position

Marana Town Magistrate Laine McDonald has been appointed as the newest judge on the Pima County Superior Court. Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment, which fills the vacancy left by Judge Kenneth Lee’s recent retirement.

Hobbs praised McDonald’s nearly ten years of service as a judicial officer, highlighting her exceptional skills in both jurisprudence and court administration. “I am confident that Judge McDonald will serve the people of Pima County well, both inside and outside her courtroom,” Hobbs stated.

The Pima County Superior Court comprises 53 judicial officers who manage a diverse range of cases, including criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, and probate matters.

McDonald, a Democrat and graduate of the University of Arizona law school, began her career in Marana nearly two decades ago as a law clerk before advancing to assistant town attorney.

This appointment marks the second judicial vacancy filled at the Pima County Superior Court this year, following the earlier selection of former public defender Nathan Wade in February. Wade stepped in to replace Judge Renee T. Bennett, who resigned.

The court recently announced it is accepting applications for a third vacancy left by the retirement of Judge James E. Marner. Candidates interested in this position must be at least 30 years old, licensed to practice law in Arizona, and have been both an Arizona resident for the past five years and a resident of Pima County for the last year. The annual salary for judges on the Superior Court is set at $190,000.