OR Governor Appoints First African American To State's High Court

OREGON -- Gov. Kate Brown this week appointed the first African American judge to serve on Oregon's Supreme Court. Adrienne Nelson will also be the second woman of color to serve in the state's high court, the governor's office said.

“Judge Nelson brings to our highest court an important, new voice and wealth of experience she has gained in twelve years on the trial bench," Brown said. "In addition to her work in the courtroom, she has made extraordinary strides to make the trial bench more receptive to the needs and experiences of diverse and underserved communities in our state. Judge Nelson is a widely respected civil rights champion, whose perspective on the bench moves us closer to our shared vision of justice for all.”

Nelson will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Jack L. Landau. The appointment is effective immediately.

Nelson was appointed to the Multnomah County Circuit Court in 2006. She earlier worked at Portland State University as a senior attorney and coordinator of Student Legal and Mediation Services, from 2004 to 2006. She began her legal career in 1996.

Nelson grew up in Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas for college and University of Texas for law school.

--Photo courtesy of Governor Kate Brown's office