Tomblin appoints two circuit judges

CHARLESTON -- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has announced the appointments of Robert E. Richardson as Circuit Judge for the 11^thJudicial Circuit and Miki Thompson as Circuit Judge for the 30^th Judicial Circuit.

Tomblin appointed attorney Robert E. Richardson as Circuit Judge for the 11^th Judicial Circuit serving Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. Richardson will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph C. Pomponio Jr.

"Judge Pomponio's professionalism is well respected in the 11^th Judicial Circuit," Tomblin said in a press release. "I believe Robert's extensive legal and professional background as well as his commitment to serving his community will serve the people of Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties well in his new role as judge."

A graduate of West Virginia University, University of Virginia School of Law and Georgetown University Law Center, Richardson began his legal practice in 2000. Richardson's legal experience includes serving as an associate at Ford Law Firm and later partner of Ford & Richardson in Lewisburg.

He also served as managing attorney of a regional office of the West Virginia Legal Services Plan, the predecessor to Legal Aid of West Virginia.  Richardson's past community service includes serving in various capacities for the West Virginia Bar Association, Habitat for Humanity and Legal Aid of West Virginia. He has also been a leader in West Virginia 4-H for more than 20 years.

Tomblin appointed Family Court Judge Miki Thompson as Circuit Judge for the 30^th Judicial Circuit serving Mingo County. Thompson, who recently won the primary election for the seat, will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Michael Thornsbury.

"Miki has a track record of working for West Virginia families during her time as a Family Court Judge for the 8^th Circuit," Tomblin said. "I believe she will continue her commitment to serving the people and the families of Mingo County well in her new role as Circuit Judge."

A graduate of University of Kentucky, Thompson began her career as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Mingo County in 1992. She also was the solo practitioner of Thompson Law Office until 2008.

She was awarded the Williamson Daily News "Best of the Best" Attorney award 2005-2008. In 2009, she began her work in family court as Family Court Judge in the 8^th Circuit serving Mingo County.

Two senior status judges have been presiding in Mingo County since Thorsnbury's resignation last year. Thompson won the Democratic primary for the position last week.

Thornsbury, who served as judge 16 years, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to deprive the constitutional rights of a man he sentenced on drug charges. He will be sentenced later this year on a federal criminal conviction.