King County Bar Association

Ratings

The King County Bar Association Judicial screening process utilizes a representative body of the King County Bar Association in its 70-member judicial screening committee. The committee undertakes a fair and comprehensive rating process designed to create a high quality bench and assist the public by providing them with important information on judicial candidates. The King County Bar Association invites judicial candidates for contested judicial elections to participate in this thorough, three-part screening process.

The criteria for rating candidates are uniform and objective and have been used substantially in the same form for the past twenty-five years. These criteria measure an individual’s suitability to serve in a judicial position. When applying the rating criteria, the screening committee evaluates each candidate against the same criteria. There is no ranking of candidates or comparison of one candidate against another.

The criteria are as follows:

• Maturity, integrity, courtesy, intellectual honesty, fairness, good judgment, curiosity, and common sense;

• A demonstrated commitment to equal justice under the law, and fairness and open-mindedness with sensitivity to and respect for all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, political ideology, creed, age, marital status, or physical or mental handicap, disability, or impairment. This commitment and sensitivity can be evidenced by the individual’s involvement in community affairs and activities, professional practice, and personal and professional background.

• The courage and ability to make difficult decisions under stress.

• The competence, ability and experience (which may include trial experience) to manage pretrial and trial proceedings, including administrative proceedings, arbitration, settlement conferences, and commissioner or magistrate responsibilities. It should include an ability to address diverse issues, weigh conflicting testimony, apply the law to the facts, understand the dynamics of the trial or conflict resolution process, and command respect from attorneys, litigants, and other participants in the process.

• The ability to work with a wide variety of subject matter.

• Excellent legal ability and confidence, and demonstrated excellence in legal work and practice.

• The energy and capacity for hard work.

• The potential for ongoing professional development and demonstrated leadership in the profession.

• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, with attorneys, litigants, witnesses, and jurors.

• Interest and commitment to working with other judges and court administrators to improve the administration of justice.

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WASHINGTON STATE SUPREME COURT – POSITION 2

See also: KCBA's Judicial Ratings Page.

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