Judge of the Circuit Court, 4th District, Position 12

Photo of Peter G Klym

Peter G Klym

Nonpartisan


Occupation: Appellate Deputy Defender, Oregon Public Defense Commission

Occupational Background: Public Defense Attorney, Multnomah Defenders, Inc.; Law Clerk to the Hon. Stanley A. Bastian, U.S. District Court

Educational Background: Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.; Lewis and Clark College, B.A.

Prior Governmental Experience: Uniform Trial Court Rules Committee, 2022-Present; Criminal Justice Advisory Committee: Case Processing Subcommittee, 2022-23; Criminal Justice Commission: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Advisory Board, 2023-26 (Chair, 2024-26)

Legal Role Model: Former appellate public defender Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Accountable

Circuit court judges are elected officials and must account to the voters if they are unable to fully perform their duties. Contested elections are key to democracy.

In a courthouse operating at capacity, it is unfair to Multnomah County citizens to have any judge unable to hear a large portion of cases that come through the doors. I will regularly communicate with court stakeholders to address any ongoing concerns.

Respectful

From lawyers, victims, defendants, to court staff, I will treat everyone with equal respect. I will listen compassionately to each and every party.

Predictable

Parties rely on an even-handed application of the law to their case. Predictability encourages settlements and efficiency because parties can appropriately anticipate the strengths and weaknesses of their cases. I will apply the law as directed by the legislature and appellate courts. Litigants can count on a fair, reasonable, and just outcome.

Competent

I have extensive state law experience, having represented over 500 individuals in this circuit court and hundreds more in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. I am an experienced state court practitioner and I am ready to get things right.

For a complete and updated list of endorsements visit
www.peterforjudge.com

Select Endorsements

Commissioner Shannon Singleton
Multnomah County, District 2
Keith Rogers
Attorney, Retired Oregon Circuit Court Judge
Grant Hartley
Director of Local Public Defense Office
Ryan Scott
Prominent defense attorney
Jon Sarre
Administrator of Portland Defense Consortium
Tom Dwyer
Public Defender, Felony Supervisor

(This information furnished by Peter for Judge.)