Municipal Court Judge Cierra Brown

City of Lake Oswego Municipal Court Judge Cierra Brown was sworn-in at the July 30, 2024 City Council meeting by Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Heather Karabeika. Judge Brown took the bench on July 31, 2024 following the retirement of The Honorable Wm. Bruce Shepley.

Brown has a deep-rooted commitment to Clackamas County. She has been working as a defense attorney primarily in Clackamas County Circuit Court since 2016, specializing in mental health for the past five years. Brown is an accomplished legal professional who has a long history of working in the legal system. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a juvenile correctional officer in Reno, NV and a social worker with high risk youth in Reno and then in Oregon. Brown has worked with Judge Shepley since 2016 when she became a court appointed attorney for the Lake Oswego Municipal Court and, in 2021, was asked to be his Pro Tem Judge. Brown also served as Pro Tem Judge for West Linn Municipal Courts and as Interim Gladstone City Prosecutor. Currently, Brown is an attorney and managing partner with Metro Law Group, LLC.

As Municipal Court Judge, Brown will perform the judicial function of the City and is authorized and empowered to exercise independent judgment in all cases brought before the court, without influence or interference by any elected or appointed City official. The Municipal Court has jurisdiction to hear cases involving all violations of city and state laws committed within city limits other than felonies. These can include: traffic violations and crimes; violations of City codes and ordinances, including animal, high grass and trash nuisances; vehicle impoundments and forfeitures; and parking and pedestrian violations. The Municipal Court also hears certain minor tobacco, liquor and drug violations. The Court does not handle civil or small claims cases.

Brown earned her Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. She has a Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno. Brown was named Clackamas County Young Professional of the Year in 2019 and currently serves on the board of Basic Rights Oregon; as treasurer and board member on Oregon Defense Consortia Association; and trainer for Oregon Forensic Evaluator Training Program.