Michael Finkle on LinkedIn: I am more than a bit tardy posting about my 50-year high school reunion on… (2024)

Every year, as soon as they finish final exams, all second year law students at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, GA take an intensive one-week trial advocacy course.The Law School brings in 50-70 faculty from around the state, plus local faculty, to teach the course.I’ve taught in the program six times over the years.I’m proud to say that Washington provided more than 10% of the national faculty this year:Assistant Attorney General Valerie Balch, Judge Veronica Galvan (King County Superior Court), Sal Mungia (Washington State Supreme Court candidate and nationally recognized trial advocacy teacher), Assistant Attorney General Eric Newman, Judge Jack Nevin (Pierce County Superior Court, retired), Judge Matt Williams (King County Superior Court, retired, and the best trial advocacy teacher I’ve ever seen), and me (King County District Court).Judge Nevin was unavailable for the picture, so only six of us are pictured.I taught with an incredible team leader, retired Illinois appellate judge Cynthia Stephens.She's the one in the red coat wearing glasses. The rest of the team are gathered around as well.What a great experience.I can hardly wait for next year.

48

7 Comments

A beautiful view from the Skamania Lodge. The Judicial Assistance Services Program (JASP) Committee is holding its holding its annual planning retreat. Some supportive and creative discussions so far have led to fantastic ideas that we will implement over the next year.For those unfamiliar with JASP, our purpose is to prevent or alleviate problems before they jeopardize a judicial officer’s career. We provide open-minded, confidential support for judges struggling with stress, mental health issues, addiction, medical illness, or the loss of a loved one or any other issue that impacts their work. We also work with judges who are seeking peer support or are considering retirement.

35

For the past three weeks this pair of geese has made their home on the planting strips of the Issaquah District Courthouse. I see them in the morning, if I go to lunch, and when I leave at night. They are beyond cute!

21

1 Comment

I am pleased to share that the WSBA has appointed me as the judicial member of its newly-created Well-Being Task Force.The Task Force’s two-year mission is “to research and provide a report and recommendations for tangible steps the bar can take to enhance well-being among WSBA members and the broader legal community in Washington.”I am greatly looking forward to this challenge.You can learn more about the WSBA’s Well-Being Task Force on it’s website.

71

4 Comments

On March 2nd, the Washington State Association of Youth Courts (WSAYC) held our annual conference at Seattle University School of Law.One of my favorite guiding principles when working with teens, whether through Youth Court, Mock Trial, Ethics Bowl, or DECA, is:“Never pass up an opportunity to tell a teen that they are awesome.”To those teens that attended the conference—you are awesome!Although I am a bit biased as the WSAYC President, I must say the conference was fantastic.We had a record number of students register, and the attendees were fully engaged.In addition, we had SEVEN candidates for the position of student Vice-President.Some special shoutouts are in order.First, to Margaret Fisher, SU Law faculty member and absolute guru of all things related to Youth Courts.Margaret is the true backbone of WSAYC as its special advisor and as leader of a breakout group on forming Youth Courts.Judge Jessica Giner also added much wisdom to the discussion. Second, to King County Superior Court Judge Josie Wiggs and King County District Court Judge Andrea Jarmon for continuing their streak of being awesome presenters at the conference.I look forward to watching them every year.Third, to the other members of the WSAYC Board, for their work in bring about one of the best conferences we’ve ever had:Vice-President Bonnie Schultz Lorentzen, Secretary/Treasurer Susan Gregory, Outgoing Student President Terese Palamino, Incoming Student President Sienna German, and newly elected Student Vice-President Anagha Taneja.Fourth, to Charley Bates and to Bo (he is so awesome that he needs no last name), who provided incredible support from start to finish.For those unfamiliar with Youth Courts, here is a brief Primer.Youth Courts are designed to handle:(1) Traffic, bus transit, or other civil notices of infraction received by a 16- or 17-year-old, (2) Juvenile diversion cases, or (3) Alleged violations of school rules.There are as many forms of Youth Court as there are Youth Courts.What they all have in common is that they are student driven.The WSAYC currently has 11 Youth Courts registered with us.I happen to co-preside, along with my colleague Judge Jill Klinge, over the East King County Regional Youth Traffic Court.It is easier to refer to it as the EKC Youth Court.We happen to be the only regional Youth Court in the state.We accept notices of infraction from the Washington State Patrol, King County Sheriff, Bellevue Police Department, Redmond Police Department, and Sammamish Police Department (which contracts with the KCSO for police services).We will also accept referrals from any other law enforcement agencies that cite into either the Bellevue, Issaquah, or Redmond Courthouses.If there is any interest in forming a Youth Court in your jurisdiction, feel free to contact me as an initial resource.

25

2 Comments

Some of you may have heard of the Joint Minority Mentorship Program, or JMMP.JMMP aims to pair law students in Washington State (from historically under-represented groups) with mentor attorneys and judges (from all walks of life, including allies) to support mentees as they prepare to enter and navigate their legal careers.JMMP is accepting applications for both mentees and mentors.As a new JMMP Board Member and as a JMMP mentor for each of the past two years, I can tell you firsthand what a fulfilling experience it can be..I have uploaded the flyer for the JMMP Kickoff Event.

12

1 Comment

I am a week late in posting this, but last weekend I “convened“ (organized and hosted) the East King County YMCA High School Mock Trial District Tournament at the Redmond Courthouse and Redmond library. It was a fantastic tournament, and the students were wonderful. No pics because almost all the competitors are minors. I always like to say that one should never pass up an opportunity to tell a teenager that they are awesome, and the students were awesome. Also, a big thanks and shout out to those who served as judges and as raters for the tournament. The top three teams garnered automatic bids to the state championship tournament in March. They are: Eastlake Crimson (1st place), Mt. Si (2nd place) and Eastlake Silver (3rd place). Another eastside high school, Skyline, competed in the Kitsap County tournament. Skyline Silver captured first place, going undefeated and winning all 12 ballots. Skyline Green captured second place, going undefeated and winning 11 of 12 ballots.Way to go Eastlake, Mt. Si, and Skyline. You’ve done yourselves and the eastern part of King County proud.

38

12 Comments

I happen to be one of the judges endorsing Sal. I have seen his skill set up close over the past 7 years or so, when we’ve served as faculty on multiple trial techniques programs. Sal will make a great Supreme Court Justice.

7

Reposted to add picture:What a fantastic induction ceremony for Judge Peter Peaquin this past Wednesday evening.About 30 judges and other dignitaries, and at least the same number of attorneys and others gathered at the Bellevue Courthouse to celebrate Judge Peaquin’s appointment to King County District Court.Speaking on behalf of the Court and the East Division in particular, Judge Lisa O’Toole thanked Judge Peaquin for his work as a Commissioner in helping eliminate the Court’s backlog of small claims cases.All in all, it was quite a night. I'm so proud to call Judge Peaquin a colleague.

46

8 Comments