Maricopa County Superior Court, Judge Pamela GATES

Pamela earned her bachelor's degree in political science and history from Drake University and her law degree from University of Iowa College of Law. 

Pamela previously worked as a partner at Bryan Cave LLP, an attorney at O'Connor Cavanagh, and as an intern for the United States Attorney's Office.

Ballotpedia, Pamela Gates

Pamela Gates currently serves as a superior court judge in Maricopa County in Arizona. She was first appointed in 2009 and is serving her 4th term. 

As a partner at  Bryan Cave LLP, managed key client relationships, pursued new clients, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients.

As a legal associate/attorney at O'Connor Cavanagh, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

- As a partner at  Bryan Cave LLP, managed key client relationships, pursued new clients, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients.
- As a legal associate/attorney at O'Connor Cavanagh, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

Legal Experience

As of June 18, 2025, Pamela Gates did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Thomson Reuters, Revolutionizing Rights: Spotlight on the Hon. Pamela Gates

Supports the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial system to help identify biases and promote impartiality, but believes that AI cannot replace human judgment in making legal decisions.

Supports balancing technological benefits with risks of widening the digital divide, particularly for marginalized groups.

Supports using technology with an emphasis on not widening the digital divide.

- Supports the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial system to help identify biases and promote impartiality, but believes that AI cannot replace human judgment in making legal decisions.
- Supports using technology with an emphasis on not widening the digital divide.

Pamela Gates

Legal Experience

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement