Joshua Schaer has the highest rating for King County District Court Judge—“Exceptionally Well Qualified”—from the Loren Miller Bar Association, and “Well Qualified” ratings from Washington Women Lawyers, QLaw, Latino/a Bar Association of Washington, Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee, Cardozo Society, and King County Bar Association.

An Eastside resident since 1988, Schaer possesses over 20 years of professional experience.  He is the only candidate with a public defense background, a proven record of helping others during two elected city council terms, and a commitment to excellence respected by colleagues in the Attorney General’s Office.  Additionally, he adjudicates cases as a Judge Pro Tem in Eastside courts, is a member of the King County Bar Judiciary and Litigation Committee, and supports local youth programs through Kiwanis membership.

Schaer will reduce backlogged dockets and guide individuals to improve their lives through community-based services while holding repeat offenders accountable.  Schaer’s nonpartisan endorsers know his good character, attention to detail, and thoughtful consideration of important issues: Bellevue Councilmember John Stokes; former Redmond Councilmember Holly Plackett; Issaquah Councilmembers Barbara de Michele, Russell Joe, Tola Marts, and Chris Reh.

Vote for Joshua Schaer to bring greater efficiency, dependability, and trustworthy compassion to the District Court.

Judge Michael Finkle has served as your judge since 2010.  He is respected throughout Washington as an energetic, innovative judge who ensures that all who appear before him have access to justice.  Six bar associations rated him Exceptionally Well Qualified, their highest rating.

Judge Finkle continually improves our court system, chairing groups that created King County’s Veterans’ and Youth Courts.  Recognized as an expert on mental health and protection order laws, he trains judges across Washington and serves on statewide committees devoted to social justice.  Judge Finkle will expand Youth Court, improve judicial awareness of mental health and protection order issues, and seek greater consistency in civil cases.

Judge Finkle volunteers with YMCA Mock Trial Program, Joint Minority Mentorship Program, and Issaquah Schools’ Pathway Advisory Committee.

Judge Finkle has bipartisan support, from both the King County Democrats and the King County Republicans.   Over 150 Supreme Court Justices and Judicial Officers, and 45 Attorneys endorse Judge Finkle.  Other endorsers:   Public Officials, including Congressman Adam Smith, State Senators Kuderer and Stanford, State Representatives, Mayors, County and City Councilmembers; Unions, including District Court Clerks and Probation; Other Organizations, including 1st, 5th, 41st, 45th, 48th Legislative District Democrats. See campaign website for more information.