Judges

Honorable Thomas B. Powers

Presiding Judge

Judge Powers Biography

Judge Powers graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Florida State University, and received his J.D. from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis& Clark College in 1998. Powers practiced as an associate attorney and partner at the Portland-based firm Williams, Love, O'Leary & Powers from 2000-2013. Powers represented individuals in pharmaceutical, medical device, and other product liability cases in both state and federal jurisdictions around the country. From late 2013 until taking the bench in April 2017 Judge Powers led a solo practice in Enterprise, OR, specializing in both civil cases and indigent criminal defense. August 2015-March 2016 Powers had a 7 month hiatus working with the Oregon DOJ's Consumer Protection/Financial Fraud Section. Powers returned to his solo practice in Enterprise in early 2016, and was appointed by Governor Kate Brown in April 2017 to fill the vacancy in the 10th Judicial District created by Judge Brian Dretke's return to private practice

During his time in eastern Oregon, Powers served as the defense bar representative in the Wallowa County Treatment Court. Since taking the bench in April 2017, Judge Powers has presided over the treatment court programs in both Union and Wallowa Counties.

Judge Powers is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying biking and skiing in his off time.

Honorable Wes Williams

Circuit Court Judge

Judge Williams Biography

Judge Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and a teaching certificate from Portland State University in 1984. He then taught U.S. History and Law and Justice at Sandy High School for seven years. He studied law at the University of Oregon where he received his doctor of Jurisprudence in 1996. While studying law, Judge Williams also worked as a clerk for the Department of Justice and at the firm of Tyler, Rasmussen, and Mundorff. Upon completion of law school, Judge Williams moved to La Grande, Oregon and set up his law practice. His law practice focused on representing people and small businesses from all walks of life in a wide variety of civil and criminal matters. Judge Williams represented clients in both state and federal courts as well as the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon Supreme Court.

Judge Williams was elected circuit court judge in November 2018.

Judge Williams enjoys reading history, fly fishing, and being at his mountain cabin with family.