Superior Court Judge Pamela Dunne retired on March 20, 2026, ending a 21-year judicial career where she received several awards honoring her outstanding judicial qualities.
Judge Dunne, who is most known for her empathetic work with sex trafficked youth, began her judicial career in 2005 as a commissioner and was later appointed as a judge in 2012. During her time on the Bench, she presided over Criminal, Family and Juvenile Department calendars.
“I have had the immense honor and privilege to serve as a judicial officer for the past 21 years. Serving the citizens of Maricopa County has been very rewarding, and the greatest job of my life,” Judge Dunne said.
Judge Dunne was a well-respected member of the Superior Court Bench who was always willing to help a co-worker. In 2013, with the help of former Superior Court Judge Dawn Bergin, she created the Judicial Peer Support Team and served as co-chair until her retirement. In 2026, her colleagues on the Bench presented her with the Superior Court’s Judicial Mentor of the Year award.
Perhaps her greatest impact was felt in the Juvenile Department. Judge Dunne and Arizona Court of Appeals Judge David Gass played a key role in the creation of STRENGTH Court (Succeed Through Resilience, Empower New Growth Through Hope), at the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. The program, which started in 2018, takes a victim-centered, therapeutic approach during court proceedings to prioritize the well-being of youth survivors of sex trafficking. STRENGTH Court connects young individuals with vital resources to aid in their recovery and long-term success.
In 2024, the Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services honored Judge Dunne with the Heart of Justice Leader of the Year Award for her key role in creating STRENGTH Court. She also received the Game Changer Award from the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network.
Prior to joining the Court, Judge Dunne worked 10 years in the Fraud and Public Corruption Section for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. She first served as an assistant attorney general and was later promoted to Unit Chief Counsel. As a supervisor, she was responsible for overseeing a group of lawyers who investigated and prosecuted Medicaid fraud and cases involving elder abuse and neglect. From 1990 to 1995, she served as a deputy county attorney in the Vehicular Crimes and Juvenile Division for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
Judge Dunne earned her bachelor’s degree from Smith College in Massachusetts and Juris Doctorate from the Sandra Day O'Connor (ASU) College of Law.