After 20 years of serving on the Superior Court Bench, Judge Christopher Whitten retired on October 31, 2026.

“As I conclude my service on the Bench, I do so with profound gratitude for the many colleagues, court staff, attorneys and litigants who have made these past 20 years so meaningful,” Judge Whitten said. “I have been enriched with friendship, challenged my professionalism and inspired by their unwavering commitment to justice. Serving alongside them has been the greatest honor of my professional life.” 
 
During his judicial career, Judge Whitten oversaw calendars in the Civil, Juvenile, Family and Criminal Departments. He also served six years (2014 to 2020) as the Presiding Tax Court Judge.   

Prior to joining the Court, Judge Whitten worked 10 years in private practice. From 1996 – 1999, he worked as an attorney for the law firm of Holloway, Odegard & Sweeney and he served as attorney for Whitten Berry, P.L.L.C., Phoenix from 1999 to 2006. 

Before embarking on a career in private practice, he worked for three years as a deputy county attorney for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and served two years as a law clerk for the Hon. John L. Claborne, Arizona Court of Appeals.   

He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego in 1991 and a Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Marketing in 1988 from the University of Arizona. 

His impact on the judiciary extended beyond Arizona. Judge Whitten is a member of the state bar in Arizona and California and held leadership positions in several organizations throughout the country, including the National Judicial College. 

“While I was in the Bench, I was fortunate to serve as President for the National Judicial College, which gave me an opportunity to work closely with judges and court leadership from across the country,” Judge Whitten said.” The experience gave me a unique basis for comparison. Arizona has the finest judiciary and court leadership in the United States.” 

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