So I was standing in Superior Court with a seasoned trial judge before me and a determined prosecutor alongside me.
Suddenly, I was struck with with gratitude for our trial judge.
Facing a two-month murder trial before a jury, a jury selection involving hundreds of veniremen, the presentation of several dozens of witnesses and hundreds of items of evidence, wrangling lawyers struggling from moment to moment to zealously advocate the interests of their clients; I am reassured by the experience, demeanor, knowledge and temperament of Judge Lauren Erickson.
I’ve devoted a small percentage of my private practice to Superior Court felony representation for over 41 years.
Judge Erickson and I faced off many times throughout the years and, on each occasion, my respect and admiration for her grew.
She belongs there on the Superior Court bench.
It is contemptuous of a lawyer to challenge a sitting sitting Superior Court judge who is exemplary in every way.
I listened intently to Judge Erickson’s opponent, Jill Dublin, argue for the bar association’s vote and endorsement and I could not discern a single justification for either my vote or a bar endorsement.
She has insignificant Superior Court experience.
There is no substitute for Superior Court experience.
To be a judge in Superior Court is to have devoted your life to the practice of the common law and the implementation of one’s natural temperament for cordiality, tested and forged in adversity.
We already have an outstanding judiciary.
Lane J. Wolfley
Port Angeles
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lane Wolfley is a Port Angeles attorney.