Washington Judicial Candidates Shun Bar Association Ratings

Why it matters

The decline in participation highlights growing concerns among judicial candidates regarding potential bias and the perceived fairness of the bar association's evaluation process. Candidates are also pointing toward alternative evaluations from other statewide organizations as a reason for the shift.

The details

The King County Bar Association evaluation committee typically assesses candidates through interviews, work history reviews, and reference checks. Candidates choosing not to participate have cited scheduling conflicts and concerns about the objectivity of the evaluation committee.

Timeline

1. Dave Larson received a well qualified rating in 2016.

2. Charles Wiggins retired from the court in 2020.

3. Jaime Hawk was appointed to the Superior Court in 2022.

4. Former Justice Charles Wiggins died in May 2025.

5. Washington Supreme Court elections are scheduled for the fall of 2026.

Political Context

Critics of the bar association evaluation process argue that the scoring system lacks necessary transparency and may lean toward ideological preferences. This pushback has led to a fragmented evaluation landscape where candidates increasingly rely on alternative statewide bar groups to validate their credentials.

The takeaway

The move away from traditional bar association ratings suggests a broader shift in how judicial candidates communicate their qualifications to voters. Readers should utilize diverse resources, including candidate websites and public forums, to assess judicial fitness before casting their ballots.

Further reading

Learn more about the legal landscape in Washington Law.