Governor Appoints Two Judges to Expanded Lane County Court

Governor Tina Kotek appointed two judges to the Lane County Circuit Court effective January 1, 2026, adding Jessica May and Allison Knight to two newly created positions. The appointments follow state legislation that increased Lane County's authorized judges from 15 to 17, a change intended to address growing caseloads and improve the administration of justice.

The expansion and these appointments arrive at a time when many jurisdictions are reassessing court resources to respond to rising filings and more complex dockets. Locally, the new judges are expected to provide additional capacity for criminal, civil, family and specialty dockets, potentially reducing delays that affect victims, defendants, families and businesses across Lane County.

Allison Knight joins the bench after serving as lead mental health attorney with Public Defender Services of Lane County. Her background includes work in mental health advocacy and supervisory responsibilities within the public defense system. That experience may be particularly relevant to cases involving competency, treatment diversion, and other intersections of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. Jessica May brings to the court whatever prior legal and judicial experience led to her selection, and together the new judges will take on the county's increasing workload.

These appointments follow an earlier announcement of a separate judicial selection: Cadence Whiteley was named to another seat on the Lane County Circuit Court prior to this round of appointments. With the bench now expanded to 17 judges, court administrators and local attorneys will watch for shifts in case assignment and scheduling as the new judges assume their duties.

For Lane County residents, the immediate practical effects may include shorter waits for hearings and trials, faster resolution of family law and protection order matters, and potentially more judicial attention for cases that require specialized knowledge, such as those involving mental health. Public defenders, prosecutors and private practitioners will need to adapt to new courtroom assignments and to opportunities for collaboration on problem-solving approaches that can reduce long-term court involvement.

The increase in judicial capacity is also a reminder of broader conversations about how the legal system responds to social and public health needs. As the new judges begin hearing cases, their decisions and courtroom management will shape how Lane County balances the objectives of public safety, due process and access to timely justice.