Superior Court Judge Jean Rietschel:
A Judge for These Tough Times

Fourteen year Municipal Court Judge Jean Rietschel moved to the King County Superior Court bench just in time for the 2010 election filing deadline. As her appointment comes mid-way through her predecessor’s term (Judge George Mattson retired early), state law calls for the new appointee to stand for election confirmation the first election after the appointment.

In a press release announcing her appointment, Gov. Christine Gregoire said, “Judge Rietschel is a proven leader in innovation and improvement in the courts.” “She also brings extensive trial experience to this position. That experience, combined with her energy and passion for the law, makes her a perfect fit for Superior Court judge.”

Rietschel first joined the Seattle Municipal Court in 1996 after being appointed by Mayor Norm Rice, where she quickly took on leadership roles. In 1998, she began serving on the executive committee and from 2000-2003 she was presiding judge of the court. Judge Rietschel has been involved in a number of initiatives that have taken innovative approaches to particular types of cases, such as establishing a relicensing program, which has substantially reduced the number of people driving without licenses or insurance. She has presided over the Domestic Violence Court, which allows the same judge to handle the same domestic violence cases so they are more familiar with the parties and issues involved. “

Judge Rietschel has worked hard to make the courts efficient while still ensuring that everyone receives due process and a fair hearing,” said Chief Justice Barbara A. Madsen of the Washington Supreme Court, who along with Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, is serving as co-chair of Judge Jean’s Campaign. “She is well respected by her fellow judges and I know she will continue to provide outstanding service to the public in her new position on the Superior Court.”

Judge Jean has consistently been top-rated by attorney evaluation polls. Just two years ago she was rated Outstanding by the Municipal League of King County and Exceptionally Well Qualified by the King County Bar Association, the Asian Bar Association of Washington, the Washington Women Lawyers, the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, and QLaw: the GLBT Bar Association of Washington. In 2008, she was endorsed by the Seattle PI, The Stranger, and Seattle Gay News.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Jean was a Vista attorney with Institutional Legal Services representing juveniles in state institutions, a Public Defender for eight years representing misdemeanor, felonies, juvenile, appeal and civil commitment cases, and in private practice representing clients in a broad range of legal issues.

Judge Jean Rietschel lives in Seattle with her partner of 30 years, Lois Thetford, a physician’s assistant and co-founder of the 45th Street Community Clinic. In her spare time, Judge Jean likes playing with her five year old grandson, Max, gardening, kayaking and reading.