Doug Combs
Douglas L. "Doug" Combs (born 1951) is an American lawyer and judge from Oklahoma. He was appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, effective January 1, 2011, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Rudolph Hargrave.[1] Combs was selected to become Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, effective December 1, 2016.[2]
Judicial career
Justice Combs was born on October 17, 1951 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He is a resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Combs is also a member of the Muscogee Nation. Combs was appointed by Governor Brad Henry as Justice to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma on January 1, 2011. He served as district judge in the twenty-third judicial district from 2003 through 2010, and served as special district judge from 1995 to 2003. Prior to taking the bench Combs was in private practice and served as an assistant state attorney general and as a deputy clerk for the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He has served as Vice Chief Justice for the term prior to being selected Chief Justice.He was selected by the court to become Chief Justice for a two-year term. Normally, the term begins on January 1, but Combs agreed to start on December 1, 2016. He said that current Chief Justice John Reif could retire early because of health issues. Justice Noma Gurich will replace Combs as Vice Chief Justice for the coming term.[2]
Justice Combs graduated from Shawnee High School in 1969. He attended St. Gregory’s Junior College, now St. Gregory’s University and the University of Oklahoma to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1973. He earned his juris doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1976 and was admitted to the bar the same year. Justice Combs has served as chief judge of the twenty-third judicial district and as the presiding judge of the North Central Administrative Judicial District. He served as a board member of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference from 2006 to 2010 and held the office of president of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference in 2009.
Personal life
Justice Combs has been married to Janet Lea Combs for 42 years. She formerly owned and operated the Shawnee Ballet Company, a dance studio, but retired in 2010. The Combs are members of St. Paul's Methodist Church of Shawnee. They have two adult children, Christopher and Eric, both attorneys.[2]
References
- ↑ Office of Governor Brad Henry, "Gov. Henry Names Judge Doug Combs to State Supreme Court," November 5, 2010 (accessed November 10, 2010).
- 1 2 3 Misa, Vicky. "Oklahoma Supreme Court: Combs named Chief Justice." Shawnee News-Star. November 24, 2016. Accessed November 29, 2016.