Judges' Positive Impact on Drug Courts - Results of a Five-Year Urban Institute Study.

While drug court costs are higher than business-as-usual case processing, they save money, the study determined, by significantly reducing the number of crimes, re-arrests and days incarcerated. Drug courts save an average of $5,680 per participant, returning a net benefit of $2 for every $1 spent. ~ Courts Today, August/September 2011

Report on Pierce County Superior Court Local Rules

By Judge Elizabeth P. Martin Chair, Pierce County Superior Court Local Rules Committee

The most recent amendments to the Pierce County Superior Court Local Rules take effect on September 1, 2011. Please be reminded that the new mandatory e-filing rules for attorneys set forth in PCLGR 30 will not take effect until January 1, 2012, although the e-filing rule will be published with all other Local Rules in September. A complete copy of the Pierce County Superior Court Local Rules will be uploaded on September 1, 2011 to the Pierce County Superior Court website, which may be accessed at www.co.pierce.wa.us/superior. As I reported earlier this year, we have added new formatting, a new table of contents and hyperlinks throughout the online version of the local rules to assist users in navigating throughout the document. Any feedback or suggestions on ways we could continue to improve access to our local rules is more than welcome.

The Pierce County Superior Court Local Rules Committee will begin a new rules amendment cycle in September. Among potential issues on our agenda for the upcoming year may be the possible implementation of proposed state-wide family law court rules. If such rules are adopted, we would then need to evaluate our local rules to determine what amendments, revisions and deletions might be needed to be consistent with new state-wide rules. We will also be evaluating whether any rules changes are necessitated by the anticipated move to longer judicial rotations. The ongoing work of other Superior Court committees may also result in further proposed rules amendments.

I encourage bar members to submit any suggestions, concerns, complaints or other thoughts for Local Rules amendments at any time, particularly this fall as we develop our agenda for proposed rules changes to take effect in September 2012. The TPCBA is represented on our committee by liaison member Charles Johnston. Sophia Palmer also attends our meetings at the request of and on behalf of the Family Law Section. You may contact either Mr. Johnston or Ms. Palmer to carry forward your thoughts. You may also contact me by email at SUPCRTDEPT16@CO.PIERCE.WA.US or by phone at 253-798-6630 anytime.

New - Proposed Local Rules Attached are the proposed revisions to the Pierce County Local Rules, to take effect September 1, 2011. We are actively soliciting comments on these proposed rule changes through May 16, 2011. Any comments, questions or other inquiry regarding these proposed revisions to the Pierce County Local Rules should be addressed to Judge Elizabeth Martin at supcrtdept16@co.pierce.wa.us or by phone to 253-798-6630. Click here for a summary of the proposed rule changes.

Bar News Information

• December, 2010
• November, 2010
• October, 2010
• September, 2010
• August, 2010
• June, 2010
• May, 2010
• April, 2010
• March, 2010
• February, 2010
• January, 2010

New Lawyer - Swearing in Ceremony

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association is holding a new lawyer swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm in Courtroom 323 in the County-City Building. There will be a reception following at another location - to be announced.

Welcome Judge Garold Johnson!

On March 29, 2011 Gov. Chris Gregoire announced that she had appointed Garold (Gary) E. Johnson to the Pierce County Superior Court. Judge Johnson was privately sworn in on Monday, April 18, 2011.

The Public Swearing in ceremony was held on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 4:00 pm in Courtroom 100 of the County-City Building where he was sworn in by Washington State Supreme Court Justice Charles Johnson. Welcome Judge Johnson!

Welcome New Commissioners!

Commissioner Wendy Zicht also joined the Pierce County Superior Court bench at her swearing in ceremony conducted by Presiding Judge Bryan Chushcoff on Thursday, January 6, 2011. Commissioner Zicht replaces retired Commissioner David Johnson. She is a past president of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association and the Bar Association's Family Law section as well as a volunteer mediator at the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution, Old Town Business and Professional Association and board member of Tacoma Neighborhoods Together.

Commissioner Meagan Foley Presents at Probate Court Judicial Forum

Presiding Commissioner Meagan Foley was invited by the National Business Institute to be a panelist Faculty member along with King County Commissioners Nancy Bradburn-Johnson and Eric Watness, at the Probate Court Judicial Forum held November 12th in Seattle, Washington.

Some of the seminar topics discussed during the morning and afternoon sessions were 'Informal vs. Formal Probate, Challenges with Personal Representatives, Guardian Ad litem Issues, Perplexing Ethical Issues, Hot Tips from the Bench - Dealing with Special Issues, and more. 6 CLE credits were approved for attending the live seminar.

Two Superior Court Commissioners Retire and New Commissioners are Selected

The Judges selected Clint Johnson to fill the position being vacated by Commissioner Ed Haarmann's retirement. A swearing in ceremony for Commissioner Clint Johnson was held at the County-City Building on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

To fill the position being vacated by Commissioner David Johnson's retirement, the Judges selected Wendy Zicht. Ms. Zicht is likely to begin work with us at the first of the year. Please welcome them to superior court when they join us.

Finally, while we congratulate Commissioners David Johnson and

Ed Haarmann on their retirements, it must be noted that we regret losing them as our colleagues. Best wishes, gentlemen!

The National Association for Court Management (NACM) again recognized Pierce County Superior Court's Administrator, Andra Motyka, for her 'outstanding leadership and dedication to the Association' through her service as Editor of the Court Manager from 2005 through the present year. Congratulations Andra!

Judge Linda Lee Receives 'Judge of the Year Award'

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Linda Lee received the 2010 'Judge of the Year' award from the Asian Bar Association of Washington (ABAW). The award honors members of the judiciary who support the legal needs and interests of the Asian Pacific American community by promoting justice, equity and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans. Judge Lee is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu. She was in private practice with the Tacoma law firm of Gordon Thomas Honeywell for 13 years. In May 2004, Gov. Gary Locke appointed her a Judge of the Pierce County Court. Judge Lee is a past President of the Asian Bar Association of Washington.

Judge Frank Cuthbertson Receives 'Judge of the Year Award'

Pierce County Superior Court Judge Frank E. Cuthbertson received the 2010 'Judge of the Year' award from the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). The award honors members of the judiciary who demonstrate unswerving dedication to the right to trial by jury, access to justice for all people, and civility among lawyers, litigants and the judiciary. The award was presented to Judge Cuthbertson at the ABOTA's Annual Dinner in October.

Changes in Scheduling Plea Dates(s) - Effective July 12th

Due to the increasing number of plea cancellations, effective July 12, 2010, Superior Court will be requiring plea paperwork to be completed prior to the scheduling of a plea date. This will include cases that are at the pre-trial stage. The computer limits in LINX will be modified and an override by DCM will be required to schedule all pleas in CD1, CD2, and/or CDPJ. The Court will re-evaluate this issue in 6 months to see if the number of cancellations decreases and pleas are held as scheduled

Judge Elizabeth Martin Receives 'Passing the Torch' Award

Judge Martin will be presented with 'The Passing the Torch Award' on October 8 at the annual WWL (Washington Women Lawyers) state banquet. This award is given to an individual who has been selected by the board for having gone above and beyond with regard to mentoring women lawyers while supporting WWL's mission statement 'To further the full integration of women in the legal profession. To promote equal rights and opportunities for women and to prevent discrimination against them.'' Congratulations Judge Martin for this well deserved recognition.

New Judicial Appointments to Pierce County Superior Court

On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, Governor Chris Gregoire announced the appointment of Edmund Murphy to Pierce County Superior Court Department 9 and the appointment of Elizabeth Martin to Pierce County Superior Court Department 16.

Judge Murphy was sworn in on Monday, May 16, 2010 in a private ceremony. Judge Murphy leaves the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office after 26 years of service. Judge Murphy became a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in 1984 where he prosecuted cases ranging from Class C felonies to aggravated murder cases. Judge Murphy served as felony division chief for 5 years. Judge Murphy held several supervisory roles with the Prosecutor?s Office to include: juvenile division chief, misdemeanor division chief, drug trial team supervisor and supervisor of the robbery/assault trial team. While with the Prosecutor?s Office, he helped to establish Pierce County?s Drug Court. Most recently, he worked in the Civil Division of the prosecutor?s office, where he was one of the attorneys that advised the Public Works Department.

In 2005, Judge Murphy was presented the Civility Award by the Honorable Robert J. Bryan Chapter of the American Inns of Court.

Outside the Prosecutor's Office, Judge Murphy has been an active volunteer in his community serving as school commission chair at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School since 2005. Murphy has also been a volunteer judge for the University Place Youth Court.

Judge Murphy earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Washington before attending the University of Puget Sound, School of Law.

A public swearing in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 4:00 PM in Courtroom 100 of the County City Building.

Judge Martin was sworn in on Tuesday, May 17, 2010 in a private ceremony. Judge Martin was an attorney at Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP in Tacoma since 1983. Judge Martin has also served as a pro-tem judge for the Pierce County Superior Court from 2003 through 2008 and presided over bench and jury trials. She has served as a mediator in state and federal courts and is a volunteer for the Pierce County Dispute Resolution Center.

Prior to joining Gordon Thomas Honeywell, Judge Martin was a judicial clerk for Washington State Supreme Court Justice Charles Stafford.

Judge Martin is a volunteer for the YMCA Youth in Government mock trial competition and has served as a member of the Tacoma Art Museum Activities Council and as an elder in her church.

Judge Martin earned a bachelor?s degree in American studies from the College of Idaho before attending Willamette University College of Law.

A public swearing in ceremony is scheduled for June 3, 2010 at 4:00 pm in Courtroom 100 of the County City Building

May 4 through May 8th declared Jury Appreciation Week!

Gov. Chris Gregoire proclaimed May 3 - 7 as Jury Appreciation Week. On Tuesday,

April 20, 2010 the Pierce County Council signed a Resolution recognizing Pierce County Jury Appreciation week and presented it to Superior Court's Presiding Judge Bryan Chushcoff.

Jurors serving on jury duty at the County-City Building during Jury Appreciation week, enjoyed special recognition and treats acknowledging their very important service.

Superior Court Judges Using CourtCall

What is CourtCall? For more information, see the memorandum from Pierce County Superior Court Judges regarding CourtCall and telephonic appearances.

Pierce County Local Rules Submitted for Comment

Pursuant to PCLR 83, first proposed rule changes and second proposed rule changes to Pierce County Local Rules for Superior Court are submitted to the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association (TPCBA).

These proposed changes are the result of a comprehensive review of the local rules in order to clean up awkward and outdated language and to comply with existing practices for family law, guardianship, probate and minor settlement matters.

Please submit any comments on the proposed rule changes within the time frames set forth below:

• The first proposed rule changes comment period expired March 31, 2010.
• The second proposed rule changes comment period expired April 30, 2010.

Written comments were to be sent to Commissioner Robyn A. Lindsay, Chair, Local Rules Committee. Notice: All comments were provided to the Judges and Court Commissioners. Thereafter, the Local Rules Committee reviewed and considered all comments as deemed necessary. The proposed changes are then presented at a meeting of all the judges.

Federal Grant to fund Veteran's Drug Court details

See Jim Cathcart's November, 2009 Bar News article for more Veterans Drug Court project details.

Working Copy Pilot Program

Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Martin and Judge Linda Lee are participating in a LINX pilot project to allow the filing party to submit their working copies as part of the e-file process.

While this pilot project is running, the option to electronically deliver working copies will appear for matters set before Judge Lee and Judge Martin only.

See Superior Court's Strategic Plan

Review the court's plan by clicking PLAN

Judge James Orlando named 'Judge of the Year'

Judge Orlando was named 'Judge of the Year' by the Washington State Association for Justice (formerly WSTLA). A reception was held on Thursday, May 6th at the Rainer Club in Seattle where he was presented this distinguished award. Congratuations Judge Orlando!

Judge Stephanie Arend Receives Liberty Bell Award

Congratuations to our own Judge Stephanie Arend who received a Liberty Bell award at the Law Day luncheon Friday, April 30, 2010. This award is given annually to one 'Lawyer' (or judge) and one non-lawyer by the Young Lawyers division of the Pierce County Bar for promoting respect and understanding of the law, embody responsibility and contribute to good government.

Hats off to our Volunteers!

The Court held an appreciation lunch for the 32 retired judges and attorneys who volunteered their time in 2009 to conduct settlement conferences. A total of 97 settlement conferences where held with a settlement rate of 45%. the work performed by these individuals was a significant help to the court, but even more so to the litigants. Hats off to them!

Heather Young	Joe Quaintance	Joe Sloan
Randy Hansen	Hillary Holmes	Retired Judge Donald Thompson
Charles Brocato	Larry Couture	Rob Nettleton
Terrence McCarthy	Brad Maxa	Craig Beetham
Michael Scholl	Robin Balsam	George Kelley
John Cain	Ron Thompson	Tim Edwards
James Cushing	John Purbaugh	Retired Judge Sergio Armijo
Retired Judge Waldo Stone	Toni Froehling	Elizabeth Martin
Michael Riggio	Phil Sloan	Larry Little
Daniel Smith	Kevin Boyle	Douglas Tufts
Clint Johnson	Ron Ripley

Superior Court Hosts YMCA Mock Trial Competition

Pierce County Superior Court hosted the annual YMCA Mock Trial District Competition. After two rigorous trials, Port Townsend High School's varsity team emerged as the winner of the District, earning the right to participate in the State competition in March. Other schools that competed were Life Christian Academy, Olympia High School, and New Market Skills High School. Judges, Commissioners, attorneys and staff volunteered for this important educational experience.

Public Mental Health Services in Pierce County

Superior Court Commissioner Edward Haarman was asked to be the moderator on a panel of representatives at a symposium recently held to educate the public on the current mental health care delivery system in Pierce County. The panel consisted of representatives from Optum Health Pierce RSN, Greater Lakes Mental Health Foundation, Franciscan Health Systems, Good Samaritan Behavioral Healthcare, and Pierce County Jail Mental Health Services.

Judge Linda Lee Keynote Speaker

Judge Lee was the keynote speaker at an all day conference for 60 Farrington High School Law and Justice Academy and 10 criminal justice students from Honolulu Community College. Judge Lee donated her time to participate in this conference in her home state of Hawaii. Supreme Court Justice Alito was to serve on the panel with Judge Lee, but a family emergency prevented his attendance.