David B. Gass

Professional career

• The Chief Judge of Arizona Court of Appeals Division One (Maricopa County), appointed in 2019 and serving until 2029, with a career spanning trial court, legislative, and appellate roles
• Arizona Attorney General’s Office (2007–2009): Director of Legislative Affairs
• Lewis & Roca LLP (1995–2001): Associate attorney
• Law Clerk: Hon. Ruth V. McGregor, Arizona Court of Appeals (1994–1995)
• Co‐founded STRENGTH Court in Maricopa County to assist victims of sex trafficking in the juvenile justice system

Education

Additional information

• Term: 2019–2029; retained in 2022 with 68.6% of the vote
• Previous roles: Vice Chief Judge (2021), Chief Judge (2023)
• Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award (2020)
• Appointed: September 13, 2019, by Governor Doug Ducey to succeed Judge James Beene
• Maricopa County Superior Court (2009–2019): Served on all four major assignments; won full four-year term in 2012
• Pete Dunn Above and Beyond Award (2018)
• Michael D. Ryan Award for Judicial Excellence (2014)
• Arizona House of Representatives (2001–2007): Counsel
• Served on the Arizona Bar Association’s Civil Jury Instruction Committee and was President of the Arizona Judges’ Association
• Active in diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives; developed training modules and internships to broaden access to judicial careers
• Championed Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties recognition in Arizona