Page 11 - Pierce County Lawyer - September October 2024

to engage with community leaders, organizations, and other judges to address systemic inequalities and ensure that our justice system reflects the values of fairness and equality for all.
Anything else you would like our members to know? I am deeply committed to fairness and justice, values instilled in me at a young age by my late father who served in the military and as captain of the Kansas City Fire Department. He taught me the importance of hard work, service, and integrity. My approach to the bench reflects these lessons, focusing not only on the law, but on fostering community and fairness. I plan
to continue this important work, ensuring our judicial system remains a Foundation of trust and equity, serving all members of our community with respect and compassion.
POSITION 1
preventing a worldwide pandemic.
What have you done or plan to do to eliminate bias
or improve access to the justice system? Thoughtful, deliberate, and tangible action from every corner of the judicial system is required to eliminate bias and improve access to justice, including judges through their judicial conduct
and management skills. For example, a significant barrier community members face with the court is scheduling and time off from work. A good judge is respectful, responsible, and organized, keeping a reliable docket to minimize the impact on participants’ schedules, assistance to the public.
I will draw on my experience as a leader to seek and implement solutions. A good judge must be a good manager, guiding and shaping forms and services to be accessible. For example, forms should be easy to find, understand, and complete, available with translations, language services, and disability accommodations, and staff should be properly trained to provide high quality, unbiased, assistance to the public.
Paul L. Robson
Campaign website:
robsonforjudge.com
Education:
1992, B.A., Economics and Legal Studies, Pacific Lutheran University 1997, J.D., Willamette University College of Law 2012, LL.M., Military Law, The Judge Advocate’s Legal Center and School
Experience: Washington
State Administrative Law Judge 2019-present. U.S. Army Reserve, Lt. Colonel. U.S. Army JAG, 24 years and 15 years active duty; served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, National Security Law Advisor to the Pentagon,
and Military Prosecutor. Adjunct Professor, Pacific Lutheran University School of Business.
As an Administrative Law Judge, I see the effect of eliminating barriers with the use of technology to conduct hearings - it allows pro se parties to appear telephonically and those needing accommodation to appear via video to minimize the impact on individuals while maintaining a fair, impartial, and complete hearing.
Anything else you would like our members to know?
I grew up in Tacoma and have been a long-time Pierce County resident and public servant. My unique combination of judicial and military experience has prepared me well to serve as
your Department 1 judge. I started as a judicial assistant in Pierce County Superior Courts, presided over hearings for Department of Licensing, and served as an ALJ for Office
of Administrative Hearings. During 15 years of active duty service, I deployed to Iraq and Africa, twice each, deployed to the Virgin Islands in response to hurricanes Irma and Maria, and received the Army Combat Action Badge.
What type of judge do you aspire to be? I aspire to be
a judge who maintains four constants: principled counsel, mastery of the law, stewardship, and servant leadership. Respect for and upholding the rule of law is first and foremost. Mastery of the law requires in-depth knowledge and continual study. Stewardship means improving the bench and processes to make justice more accessible and efficient without compromising due process. As a judge, servant leadership means putting the jury, parties, and other participants before oneself.
As a member of the legal community, what accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? I am
proud of my volunteer work as a mediator and trainer for
the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution helping litigants and other volunteers resolve a wide range of disputes. I have used those skills in complex international situations
as well. For example, during the U.S. Army’s humanitarian mission responding to the Ebola crisis in Liberia, I negotiated complicated real estate agreements for treatment facilities and supply depots, along with developing rules of engagement and operational authorities foundational to the mission. Our efforts immediately reduced new cases, saving countless lives, and
POSITION 4
John Cummings
Campaign website:
www.john4judge.com
Education: Gonzaga University, BA; Seattle University School of Law, JD
Experience: Expert Civil Litigator with over 100 trials; Former Pierce County Deputy Prosecutor; Judge Pro Tem
in Lakewood Municipal and
Thurston County District Courts. Rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by Loren Miller,
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September/October 2024 | PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER 11