PHOENIX, Ariz. — Governor Katie Hobbs announced Tuesday that she will appoint three new judges to the Maricopa County Superior Court, filling vacancies created by the retirements of Judges Bruce R. Cohen, Jo Lynn Gentry, and Lisa A. VandenBerg.
All three appointees—Janette Corral, Nicole Hartley, and Brian Palmer—currently serve as court commissioners and bring extensive legal and courtroom experience to the bench.
Judge Janette Corral is a graduate of Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She spent eight years with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, including five years in the Criminal Mental Health Unit. She has served as a Commissioner with the Superior Court for the past four years.
Judge Nicole Hartley is also a graduate of ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She worked more than a decade as a Deputy Public Defender for Maricopa County before becoming a Commissioner in 2021.
Judge Brian Palmer earned his law degree from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. He brings over 10 years of civil and commercial litigation experience in private practice and previously served as Senior Civil Litigation Counsel for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. He joined the Superior Court as a Commissioner in 2020.
“These three outstanding legal professionals bring years of experience, integrity, and commitment to justice,” Gov. Hobbs said in a statement. “Their service on the bench will strengthen our court system and ensure fair, thoughtful rulings for all Arizonans.”
