Page 14 - Pierce County Lawyer - September October 2024

initially appointed by the governor, the people get to decide if they remain in that seat - if challenged by another candidate.
I am mindful that I am not there to lord over those who appear before me, but to administer justice in a manner that
is fair, equitable, respectful and most of all following the laws of Washington. It’s incredibly important that while I carry
out my duties as a judicial officer, I’m also keeping in mind disparate impacts and disparate outcomes, and I am prepared to meet those challenges, as is expected by my colleagues and the people we serve. I will be a judge who is not only fair and knowledgeable, but firm in my decision making. I’ll be a judge who can be relied upon to be measured and accurate in my rulings and interactions with litigants. I’ll be a judge the public can trust.
brings together numerous different partners including the judiciary, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and members of the community to look at ways bail has adversely affected different communities and to look at reforming how bail is used. Through this working group, we have made several changes to how bail is used in Pierce County. This group lead to the Pre-Trial Service Program. After the program started, we continued to look at the data to see if bail was being imposed in a disproportionate way. The goal was to eliminate the disproportionate impact bail has on different communities and to provide alternatives to bail, that would still protect the community and ensure defendants were appearing for court.
I also worked with “Rebuilding Hope” to provide trainings to community advocates. These advocates work with victims of all different backgrounds to help them navigate the legal system and make sure all victims of sexual abuse have access to the legal system.
Anything else you would like our members to know?
In 2016, I was diagnosed with 2 separate cancers at the same time. It took 2 years, but I was able to fight hard, beat cancer and become a survivor. I have been in remission since that time. It was that battle to beat cancer that made me want to become a judge. I took stock of my life. I love being a public servant but wanted to do more. I considered becoming a judge. I became a Pro Tem Judge and love every time I am called to Pro Tem. That work inspired me to become a Judge.
POSITION 10
Washington Initiative for Diversity, 2015
Experience: I have been a Superior Court Commissioner since 2018, including 2.5 years as a pro tem Trial Judge. I have also served as an Administrative Law Judge and pro tem Municipal Court Magistrate. I have extensive litigation experience with complex family law, dependency, domestic violence, and as counsel for CASA.
What type of judge do you aspire to be? As a judicial officer, I am entrusted with the most fundamental rights of people who come to the court during their most vulnerable moments. I am mindful of this and of the long-term impact of
POSITION 9
Scott Peters
Campaign website:
www.scottforsuperiorcourt.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University 2001. Juris Doctorate University of Washington School of Law 2004.
Experience: I have been employed at the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office for over 20 years. During my time in the
Commissioner
Prosecutor’s Office, I have served in almost every criminal unit. I have also served as the team lead of numerous units. I also serve as a Pro Tem Judge.
What type of judge do you aspire to be? I want to be
a judge that is always learning and growing. A judge that is striving to get to the right decision. A judge that treats everyone fairly, equally, and with mutual respect. A judge that knows the rules and holds everyone accountable.
As a member of the legal community, what accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? The accomplishment I am most proud, is my work on the Lawyers Helping Hungry Children Julian Bray Pierce County Chapter Board. I have served on this board for over 10 years. During Covid, we could not hold our annual breakfast in person, but were still able to find an online way to raise money for Pierce County charities fighting to eradicate childhood hunger.
After Covid, we were able to return to our annual in-person breakfast. Through the hard work of this board, we continue to grow and due to the generous legal community, we had our best year last year.
What have you done or plan to do to eliminate bias or improve access to the justice system? I have been part of a bail reform working group for a number of years. This group
Camille
Schaefer (she/her)
Campaign website:
camilleschaeferforjudge.com
Education: J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2005; B.A., Organizational Management, Northwest University, 2001, Cum Laude; Judicial Institute Fellow,
14 PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER | September/October 2024