Matt Newman named Superior Court judge by Governor

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has announced the appointment of Matthew Newman to the La Paz County Superior Court.

Current judge Samuel Vederman announced his retirement at the end of December, saying that he had sent a letter to the Governor’s office about his intention to step down in June.

Newman has been an attorney in private practice in the Parker area for decades, having started his firm here in 1992. His practice areas have included criminal defense, family law, juvenile law, and civil litigation. Matthew has also served as the prosecutor for the Town of Quartzsite and as a special prosecutor for the Colorado Indian Tribes.

To this day he is regularly seen appearing on behalf of clients in the courtroom over which he will now preside. Matt’s wife Sheri served as Court Clerk for many years just down the hall.

Matt began his legal career in California, where he worked for the California State Senate’s Subcommittee on Administration of Justice and for California State Senator Bill Lockyer, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Matthew also worked in the California Public Defender’s Office as Chief Assistant and Chief Deputy.

He graduated cum laude from California State University, Fresno in 1977 and received his law degree from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific in 1985, graduating with Order of the Coif and Order of Barristers honors.

“Matthew Newman has had an exemplary career as an attorney in both the public sector and in private law practice,” said Governor Ducey in a statement. “I am confident he will serve the citizens of La Paz County with distinction. I am pleased to appoint Matthew Newman to the La Paz County Superior Court.”

Judge Vederman told Parker Live that the role of the judge in La Paz County is unusual.

“This court and this job are very unique,” Vederman said. “It’s one of only two counties that has only one Superior Court judge in the whole county, and that judge has to handle all the cases that come up and the various types of cases that there are.”

Vederman wholeheartedly approved of Newman’s appointment to the position.

“Having known Matt personally and professionally for many years, I believe Governor Ducey could not have made a better choice,” he said. “Matt has a thorough grasp of the law and is always prepared. The citizens of La Paz County are extremely lucky that Matt has decided to enter public service and become our next Superior Court Judge. I am very happy for him.”