Clallam County Court Commissioner William Knebes was recognized by the Washington State Bar Association for the second time since 2000 at a ceremony in Spokane on Saturday.
Knebes, a full-time court commissioner for 17 years, was named “Jurist of the Year” by the Family Law division of the state bar association.
Knebes was the force behind Clallam County’s unified family court, which lets one judge hear all cases involving a particular family.
The county’s system was the first in the state.
It was based on a model from New Jersey.
Knebes said he has enjoyed serving as the county’s family court commissioners
“This court is about relationships, and this turns out to be most important part our lives – how we deal with others,” Knebes said.
“That’s what makes this court exciting – people come in here, have problems, get worked out and go forward with their lives.”
Family law cases can be more sensitive than criminal or civil cases, he said, but he prefers them.
“We get lots of cases that are difficult to decide. There are lots of emotions involved in court proceeding,” Knebes said on Thursday.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t see good come out of these court proceedings.”
Knebes was given a “Local Hero” award by the full bar association in December 2000.
The award is meant for lawyers who “quietly champion justice in their communities,” according to the press release from the bar at the time.
