Clallam County Superior Court has appointed Lorraine Rimson as its new Family Court Commissioner, filling a key post that remained open for four months following the abrupt dismissal of former Commissioner Brian Parker.
Rimson’s appointment, effective June 1, 2026, comes after an internal review process that, while meeting procedural requirements, has drawn scrutiny from advocates and families invested in the county’s family justice system.
She will assume responsibility for a caseload encompassing pre-trial family law matters, civil protection order applications, and juvenile court proceedings—duties left unassigned since Parker’s exit in February.
According to court administration, Rimson brings three decades of legal practice to the position. Based in Port Townsend, she operates a private firm specializing in family law and has held multiple judicial appointments in the region, including as a Superior Court Commissioner for Jefferson County since March 2023. She has also served in similar capacities with Clallam County District Court II, Jefferson County District Court, and as a judge pro tem in Jefferson County.
Yet those who have observed her in action caution that her professional background only partially reflects her judicial approach.
Rimson has already served as a Commissioner Pro Tem for Clallam County Superior Court since January 2023. During that period, courtroom observers—including legal advocates, attorneys, and families involved in custody and protection cases—have described a consistent pattern: she frequently aligns with parties accused of misconduct, even in cases involving substantiated emotional, physical, or financial abuse.
In a system where balanced decision-making can directly impact children’s safety and long-term well-being, Rimson’s inclinations have sparked concern among stakeholders who view her placement as emblematic of deeper institutional priorities.
The timing of her appointment also draws attention. Parker’s appointment two years prior had been fast-tracked by then-Presiding Judge Brent Basden and Court Administrator Lacey Halberg, circumventing常规 hiring norms despite Parker’s limited formal training in trauma-informed practices and a prior criminal citation for perjury. His term concluded amid widespread criticism following multiple incidents, including allegations of targeted surveillance, confrontations with community members outside the courthouse, and a protest staged by advocacy group the Handmaids.
Public expectations following Parker’s exit called for a deliberate, inclusive selection process designed to rebuild confidence and reinforce accountability. Instead, Rimson’s confirmation reflects continuity in leadership style, raising questions about the court’s responsiveness to community input and commitment to victim-centered practices.
Advocates say the appointment underscores that foundational lessons from the Parker era—particularly regarding the need for judicial competency in domestic violence dynamics—have not been fully integrated into hiring practices.
Court officials have indicated they will continue to evaluate performance metrics and community feedback as Rimson transitions into her permanent role starting in early summer.
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