Judge Thompson Vacating Seat To Represent Gonzaga

Judge Philip Thompson is leaving his seat on the state Court of Appeals this fall to become Gongaga University’s attorney.

Thompson, 63, said he decided after 14 years of hearing appeals that another job appealed more.

“It’s time to give someone else a chance to sit and work here,” Thompson said after making the announcement Friday.

Rather than retire, Thompson said he’ll enjoy being a practicing attorney again.

He’ll continue with the Appeals Court Division III through September. The GU job starts Oct. 1.

Thompson will take over at Gonzaga for corporate counsel Leo Driscoll, who is retiring. Thompson earned an English degree from GU in 1956. He earned his law degree there in 1962.

Gov. Gary Locke can appoint a successor to Thompson’s seat. That person would still have to run for election in November.

Or Locke can leave the seat vacant a month with the winner of the election taking Thompson’s place.

His judge’s position pays $106,000 a year. “They haven’t told me what I’ll make” at Gonzaga, “but it’s less.’

Travel costs will be lower in the new job. Thompson lives a short walk from the GU campus.

After working as an attorney in private practice, Thompson served both as District Court and Superior Court judge in Spokane County.

, DataTimes MEMO: Cut in the Spokane edition