Bainbridge Island, Wash., (September 6, 2023) – City of Bainbridge Island Municipal Court Judge, Sara McCulloch has announced her resignation, effective October 2, 2023. McCulloch will be shifting her full attention to her private law practice, which focuses on Elder Law, Guardianship, and Probate. McCulloch has served as the Bainbridge Island Municipal Court Judge since January 1, 2014.
A resident of Bainbridge Island for over 20 years, McCulloch studied law at Boston College Law School and received her undergraduate degree from Western Washington University. At the time of her initial judicial appointment, McCulloch was Senior Deputy Prosecutor for King County, where she served as senior specialist for sex offender registration related cases. She joined the King County prosecutor’s office in 1999. McCulloch was sworn in as Municipal Court Judge in December of 2013 and has completed two full terms (2014-2017, 2018-2021), with the third term beginning January 1, 2022.
“The City of Bainbridge is very appreciative of Judge McCulloch’s time and service over the last 9 years,” stated City Manager, Blair King. “We wish her the best in all of her endeavors and certainly appreciate the dedication with which she served as Municipal Court Judge.”
In accordance with state law and the Municipal Code, the city manager will appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy left by Judge McCulloch. The appointment is subject to the confirmation of the Bainbridge Island City Council. A search will be conducted and interested parties will be asked to apply to fill the unexpired term of Judge McCulloch. To provide for continuity of the court, Maureen F. McKeeman has been appointed by Judge McCulloch as presiding judge pro tempore. Maureen McKeeman has previously served as presiding judge pro tempore. She has experience as both a criminal defense attorney and as a prosecuting attorney.