2007 Judicial Evaluation Results

The MCBA Judicial Evaluation Process is a long-standing tradition of the Bar that serves as as resource for the community. The Judicial Evaluation process typically begins in the spring.

The ratings are based on an evaluation by hundreds of lawyers and judges who have professional experience with each candidate, along with in-depth research and interviews by the Bar Association's 27-member judiciary committee.

Judiciary Rules

Judicial Evaluation Process

The Monroe County Bar Association revamped its rating process after studying judicial evaluations across the country. It balances two elements that combine to provide a thorough and impartial evaluation of every candidate.

Evaluation by peers. A survey, completed by hundreds of Monroe County attorneys representing a cross-section of the legal community, is a second key element of the evaluation process. This year, the survey could be completed either in hard copy or electronically - Harris Interactive developed and managed the web-based survey -- which resulted in greater participation.

In-depth interviews and research. The Bar Association's judiciary committee conducted an in-depth interview and research process, including analysis of legal writings and reference checks. The committee is composed of 27 members, who are diverse in race, gender, political affiliation and areas of practice expertise.

Candidates were evaluated in six categories that are important to being a good judge - experience, legal analysis, judicial temperament and demeanor, ethics and integrity, communication skills and sensitivity to discrimination. Individual scores were provided to the candidates, but will not be released publicly. On the survey, "highly qualified" candidates received scores in the 90s on all survey questions; "qualified" candidates scored mostly in the 70s and 80s; and the "not qualified" candidate earned scores of between 60 and 76.