LYNNWOOD—The City of Lynnwood is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert K Grant as the first Municipal Court Commissioner in city history. He was appointed by Presiding Judge Valerie Bouffiou and sworn in last month during a private ceremony conducted by retired Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Cowsert.
“Commissioner Grant’s background in addiction medicine and criminal law makes him uniquely qualified to tackle the issues we currently face in Lynnwood,” said Judge Bouffiou. “He brings empathy, legal expertise, and a deep commitment to justice and community well-being.”
Grant brings extensive legal and public service experience to the bench. He began his career as Judge Cowsert’s law clerk before serving as a Deputy Prosecutor in Snohomish County, handling serious felony cases including child sex abuse, arson, and murder. He later joined the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General, focusing on environmental law.
Before entering law, Grant worked as a case manager at an addiction treatment center in Sedro-Woolley, gaining firsthand insight into recovery and behavioral health—experience that continues to shape his judicial philosophy. Since 2016, he has served as a judge pro tempore in Edmonds, Everett, and Lynnwood Municipal Courts, as well as Snohomish County District Court. Committed to youth and community well-being, Grant also coaches local soccer and basketball teams.
The Lynnwood City Council approved the new Commissioner position in 2024 in response to a rising caseload. In 2024 alone, 66,939 cases were filed in Lynnwood Municipal Court, with 18,753 hearings conducted. Councilmembers will have the opportunity to meet Commissioner Grant during a public work session on May 19, 2025.
Commissioner Grant’s appointment marks a milestone in Lynnwood’s continued investment in a fair, responsive, and community-focused judicial system.
About Lynnwood Municipal Court
As a court of limited jurisdiction, Lynnwood Municipal Court handles infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Its workload is driven by filings from the Lynnwood Police Department and City Prosecutor.
The Lynnwood Municipal Court is committed to administering justice with fairness and integrity, ensuring equal access to the legal system while promoting public trust and confidence.
Source: Lynnwood Municipal Court
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
