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March 20, 2013

County judge to retire

By Jessica Bruha The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Cleveland County District Judge Tom Lucas said Tuesday he submitted his retirement to Gov. Mary Fallin.

“I wanted to give the governor an opportunity to appoint somebody,” Lucas said.

Lucas’ retirement will be effective Aug. 1, he said. After his letter of retirement is submitted to the governor’s office, the Judicial Nominating Commission will be notified.

Lucas was sworn in for his fifth term as a Cleveland County district judge in January 2011. He has more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom.

Before he became a judge, he was a longtime attorney in private practice in Norman.

He won his first office term as a district judge nearly 20 years ago and had no opponents for his re-election for his next three terms. Lucas had to run against Jeff Bryant, city attorney for the city of Norman, in order to be re-elected for his fifth term.

Lucas’ term expires in 2014.

The position will then be advertised for 30 days and the applicants will be investigated.

After background checks, candidates will be interviewed and three names will be selected for the governor to choose from, Lucas said.

After that, Gov. Fallin has 60 days to appoint a new judge.

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