Page 15 - Pierce County Lawyer - September October 2024

every decision. I am committed to treating each person with courtesy and respect; maintaining appropriate demeanor; ensuring procedural fairness; providing rulings that are timely, clear, and well-reasoned; upholding the rule of law; and increasing access to the courts.
As a member of the legal community, what accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? I am proud of the breadth and depth of my legal service – especially to marginalized communities and people in crisis, both as an attorney and as a judicial officer.
With nearly a decade of judicial experience, I have presided over protection orders, family law, dependency, infractions and ordinance violations, public assistance benefits, contested Child Protective Services founded findings, and special education due process hearings. I understand that delayed justice is an injustice, and as a pro tem Trial Judge, I applied my knowledge of the law, the rules of evidence, and trial procedure to reduce backlogs following the pandemic.
What have you done or plan to do to eliminate bias or improve access to the justice system? As a woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the impact of bias. As a former single mother, I understand the historical effect of insufficient resources on access to justice.
As an attorney, I provided hundreds of hours of pro bono service through legal clinics and my private practice.
As a judicial officer, I am a steward of public trust with a duty to eliminate bias in the courts. In my courtroom, I create an environment where everyone is welcome. In each decision,
I carefully consider the evidence and ensure personal biases are not impacting my obligation to impartially apply the law
to the facts. I ensure due process and procedural fairness by consistently enforcing court rules while also considering access issues that many litigants face. I have a proven track record of impartial decisions that uphold the law and promote access to justice, community safety, and strong families.
I am committed to improving access to justice through innovation, such as we have seen with remote hearings decreasing costs to indigent litigants. I am eager to support change that will improve accessibility to everyone and fulfill the Constitutional promise that each person has an opportunity to be heard.
Anything else you would like our members to know?
I am the only candidate for Department 10 who lives in Pierce County and who will add important diversity to the bench. I am rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by bar associations including Tacoma-Pierce County Bar, Pierce County Minority Bar, and Washington Women Lawyers. I am endorsed by over 75 judicial officers including the majority of our State Supreme Court.
I extend an invitation to connect, to hear your perspective
on the needs of our court, and to share more about why
I am running for judge. I can be reached at camille@ camilleschaeferforjudge.com. I would be honored to earn your support.
POSITION 10
1987. Judicial College, 2020.
Commissioner Philip E. Thornton
Campaign website:
philipforjudge.com
Education: Juris Doctorate, Creighton University School of Law, 1990. Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communications, Northern Arizona University,
Experience: For 29 years, I have owned and operated a law office in Tacoma. I represented individuals in criminal, family law and personal injury matters. I tried over 200 criminal jury trials and numerous civil jury trials. Since 2019, I have served as a Pierce County Court Commissioner.
What type of judge do you aspire to be? Barack Obama once stated: “What engenders respect for justice is not the particular outcome that a judge arrives at but, rather, the intellectual rigor and honesty with which the judge arrives at a decision.” This quote exemplifies the type of judge I aspire to be - a judge who couples a strong work ethic with knowledgeable and creative decisions. I will foster a courtroom where all voices are heard. A courtroom where patience, empathy and integrity are assured.
As a member of the legal community, what accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? For the past ten years, I have participated in a non-profit organization, Lawyers Helping Hungry Children. LHHC fights child hunger and malnutrition through fundraising, advocacy and service. Last year, LHHC raised over $50,000 to help eradicate childhood hunger in Pierce County. I am proud of the legal services I have provided to Pierce County individuals and families as a lawyer for 29 years. I am also proud to be a member of the Pierce County Superior Court which managed to adjust and maintain operations throughout the Covid pandemic.
What have you done or plan to do to eliminate bias or improve access to the justice system? Eliminating bias and improving access to justice have been the cornerstone of my legal practice for 34 years in Pierce County. Throughout my 29-year career as an attorney, I fought injustice against the under-represented, the indigent, and people of color. I have fought for individuals against the inherent racism and biases found in our criminal justice system. I have been appointed to represent parents in Dependency matters before Juvenile Court. I have participated throughout my career in the Tacomaprobono Clinics.
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September/October 2024 | PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER 15