Governor Tina Kotek Makes First Judicial Appointment

Governor Kotek Appoints Matthew Muenchrath to Coos County Circuit Court

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she will appoint Matthew Muenchrath to the Coos County Circuit Court. Mr. Muenchrath will fill the vacancy created by the prior appointment of Judge Megan Jacquot to the Oregon Court of Appeals. The appointment is effective immediately.

“Matthew Muenchrath’s experience both as an attorney and a municipal judge, combined with his commitment to serving the Coos County community, make him an excellent addition to the Coos County bench,” Governor Kotek said. “Mr. Muenchrath has dedicated his career to public service, and I look forward to seeing how he brings his skills to his work as a judge for his community.”

Matthew Muenchrath has spent over 20 years practicing law in Coos County. Muenchrath grew up in Coos Bay and attended Marshfield High School. After graduating from law school at Willamette University College of Law, Muenchrath was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy. In 1997, he began active duty in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, and continues his service in the Navy Reserve, where he currently holds the rank of Captain.

After leaving active military duty in 2001, Mr. Muenchrath and his wife returned to Coos County to raise their family. He represents clients in a variety of matters, including court-appointed criminal defense, juvenile dependency, estate planning, domestic relations, and property law. Muenchrath has also served as a part-time municipal judge for the last six years. He is deeply involved in his community, including on housing access and income inequality issues, and he is a former City of Coquille councilperson and mayor.