Judge Lori Burkhardt Appointed as New Justice of the Peace in Maricopa County
In a significant development for the legal landscape of Maricopa County, the Board of Supervisors has appointed Judge Lori Burkhardt to serve as the new Justice of the Peace for the Ironwood Justice Precinct. This precinct covers a substantial section of southwest Maricopa County, notably within Supervisorial District 5, and includes Gila Bend.
Supervisor Steve Gallardo of District 5 expressed strong support for Burkhardt’s appointment, stating, “I could not have asked for a more qualified candidate than Judge Burkhardt. She has served the Ironwood Justice Precinct for 31 years, knows that court like the back of her hand, and is a third-generation resident of Gila Bend with a deep investment in the community’s well-being. I wish Judge Burkhardt the best of luck as she takes on this responsibility, and also want to give a shout out to Judge Joe Getzwiller for his 24 years of service to the court.”
Judge Burkhardt’s extensive experience includes 10 years as a Court Clerk and 21 years as a Court Manager at Ironwood Justice Precinct. Her background equips her with a profound understanding of court operations, judicial processes, and the necessary administrative leadership. Additionally, as a former Court Administrator for the Gila Bend Municipal Court, her ability to manage complex legal operations is well-demonstrated.
As elected officials, Justices of the Peace oversee various court cases, including traffic violations, small claims, evictions, and civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000.
The appointment required Burkhardt to meet specific criteria: she had to be a Republican like her predecessor Judge Getzwiller, reside in the Ironwood Justice Precinct, and be a registered voter in Arizona. She will serve in this position until the end of the current term on December 31, 2026.
Supervisor Gallardo’s comments on this appointment can be viewed in the video below.
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