As we wind down the year, and folks take well-earned time off during the Holidays, it is a good time to take stock of the year for our Court. We started the year with worrisome trends of increased filings in eviction cases and civil protection orders. We met with stakeholders and tried to create some work arounds to keep up with the work for unlawful detainers. We tried to increase our capacity for commissioners to deal with the civil protection orders by adjusting their calendars. We also continued to have concerns about safety around the King County Courthouse and we worked with the Foundation for Washington State Courts to brainstorm for more resources. Thanks to advocacy by the broader Bar, the Family Law Bar, and Foundation for Washington State Courts, we were able to gain consensus from the Executive and the County Council to add resources for the Court.
We will see an addition of 2 new judges (Departments 55 and 56), bailiffs and clerks. We received funding for 2 additional permanent commissioners to handle civil protection orders, including supporting staff, and a weapons surrender coordinator for UFC. We also received 2 ex parte coordinators to deal with unlawful detainers. This increase in resources and capacity is partially due to the Bar’s engagement and support of the Courts. Thank you very much. Now will come the next step of organizing our operations to provide better and more timely service to those that wish to have their matters heard. It is critical for our Court to provide a venue for people to come and address their disputes in a civil manner and it is incumbent upon us to increase our capacity. We are already working on creating more calendars, finding places for our new judicial officers to sit, and ensuring our access is across all departments and all three courthouses.
As I mentioned in my last column Judge Andrea Darvas will be retiring in January, and her elected replacement is Nikole Hecklinger. Judge Darvas was elected in 2004 and has been a stalwart trial judge. She has tried numerous cases and leaves a distinguished legacy over the past 20 years. She not only tried hundreds of cases, she also worked behind the scenes to ensure our court operates efficiently and fairly. She served on our jury, technology, local rules, personnel, and other committees throughout her career. Judge Darvas was on the Board of Trustees for the Public Law Library of King County and an instructor for the State’s Judicial College. She received the Washington State Association for Justice Judge of the Year award in 2017 and the 2022 Cardozo Society L’dor V’dor award. Judge Darvas has been a champion of the rule of law and civic education by volunteering for the “We the People” high school constitutional law program and coaching students in both state and national finals. She has been a tremendous asset to our bench and we will miss her. She tells us she will miss the work but will welcome spending more time with her grandchildren and family. We are wishing Judge Darvas much happiness and joy on her next journey.
In January, we will have judges in new departments and the newly assigned judicial officers will hear those matters after mid-January. We have heard generally positive feedback from the new e-filing system that the Clerk’s Office has implemented and they are receiving comments to make small adjustments to make the system even more user friendly.
As we conclude the year, I hope that you get to spend time with those that are important to you, and find peace from all of your hard work this year. As we start the new year with hope and optimism, I am encouraged to tell you the Court continues to prioritize rule of law and access to the court. We will continue to work everyday towards delivering those values to the members of the Bar and our community.
As always, we welcome feedback and conversation on how our court can serve the King County Bar and the members of our community. Please reach out to further that conversation.
