September 1, 2020 - present.

Judge Thad Scudder brings 29 years of legal experience to the bench.

In 1990, he started his career as a deputy prosecutor with the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. For over twenty years, he ran a sole practice in Longview and in Kelso where he focused on criminal defense, criminal appeals, and appeared in family court and juvenile court.

For sixteen years he also acted as a judge pro tem in Cowlitz County District Court. In 2013 he joined the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense and starting in 2018 he served as the Director of that department.

Scudder earned his law degree from the University of Puget Sound and his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota.

 Judicial Assistant:   Danyel Paul - PaulD@co.cowlitz.wa.us - 360.414.5543