Oregon court system to gain new ombudsman for public to report grievances, concerns

Oregonians will soon be able to turn to one of the state’s most experienced judges when they have concerns about their experiences in the court system.

The Oregon Judicial Department announced last week that Judge Debra K. Vogt of the Lane County Circuit Court will serve as the agency’s first ombudsman beginning in August. In that role, she’ll accept and respond to public comments “regarding court experiences” and provide mentoring and education to judges, according to an agency news release.  Her position will serve as a neutral third-party who can review concerns about a judge’s conduct in court and answer questions from people who use the court’s services.

“It’s been an incredible privilege to serve my community as a judge in the Lane County Circuit Court,” Vogt said in a statement. “I’m honored to have been selected for this unique opportunity to work with the public and the judicial conference. As ombudsman, I look forward to working on behalf of Oregonians to ensure everyone has access to fair and impartial justice.” 

Other Oregon agencies have similar watchdog roles that allow the independent official to help Oregonians file grievances with public bodies. The Oregon Judicial Department’s position results from a 2025 state law that required the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman while increasing judges’ salaries. Lawmakers framed the law as a way to support accountability within the justice system.

Vogt has served on the Lane County Circuit Court for nearly 20 years since winning election in 2006. She previously worked two years as a judicial clerk for two years and  a decade in the Lane County District Attorney’s office, where she prosecuted high-level felony cases. 

Her appointment does not change the enforcement authority of the state’s Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability, which can review complaints about Oregon’s state judges and make recommendations to the Oregon Supreme Court about suspension, removal or censure. Vogt’s annual salary will be $239,772.

Gov. Tina Kotek also announced last week that she would appoint Nathan Lichvarcik, a criminal law attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Eugene, to fill Vogt’s position.