Supreme Court Justice Pos 3

Legal/Judicial Experience

Superior Court Judge; Senior Felony Prosecutor; Federal Public Defender, Chief Public Defender Colville Confederated Tribes; Federal Prosecutor; International Prosecutor in Pristina, Kosovo; Justice Advisor in Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

Other Professional Experience

Federal Civil Rights Investigator; U.S. Navy Veteran; presenter: legal education seminars in Beirut, Lebanon, Kolasin and Budva, Montenegro, and for the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

Education

Juris Doctor, University of Washington School of Law; Bachelor of Arts, University of Washington. Department of State Certificate in Islamic Jurisprudence.

Community Service

Deacon, Mount Olive Lutheran Church; VFW Larry Godwin Post 1694 Honor Guard; Skookum Rotary; UW Law School Mentor; YMCA and UW Law school mock trial judge.

Statement

The duty of the Washington State Supreme Court is to uphold our constitution and to protect our rights and freedoms. Public policy is the province of the political branches and not the courts.

In the last two decades, direct appointment of judges by the governor rather than election of judges by the people has become a longstanding tradition. Our State Constitution mandated the election of judges because direct appointment leads to ideological and political decisions. Appointments were reserved for vacancies. Judge Stevens was elected and not appointed. His election will bring common sense and balance to the Supreme Court.

After High School, Judge Stevens joined the Navy. After his enlistment, he used his veteran’s benefits to attend the University of Washington where he met his wife Pam. After graduating, he worked as a Federal Civil Rights Investigator for the Fair Housing Enforcement Center Seattle fighting racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination. He then went to the UW School of Law. Judge Stevens and his wife live in Shelton close to six of their nine grandchildren.

As a lawyer and judge he has tried more than two hundred jury trials. His supporters include tribes, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, attorneys, and law enforcement.

Legal/Judicial Experience

Judge Jaime Hawk has been a state and national legal leader for over 20 years. As a Superior Court Judge, federal public defender, and ACLU civil rights attorney, she has protected our rights and freedoms.

Other Professional Experience

Adjunct Professor of Law. Supreme Court Minority and Justice Commission. In work before law school, Judge Hawk supported domestic violence survivors and found them safe shelter.

Education

Raised by a single mom, Judge Hawk was the first in her family to attend college, graduating with honors from Gonzaga University Law School.

Community Service

Judge Hawk has advocated on boards for immigrant children, voting rights, veterans, and women’s rights. 

Statement

Judge Hawk fought in the courtroom for those who could not afford a lawyer. She handled trials and appeals, and defended Washingtonians against the federal government. She is the first attorney with the ACLU of Washington to become a judge. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Governor Bob Ferguson endorse Judge Hawk.

Judge Hawk is a trusted, experienced legal leader. Senators Murray and Cantwell appointed her to their federal judge selection committee. The American Bar Association selected her to observe Guantanamo Bay military hearings, and later chose her to assist families at the border torn apart by Trump-era immigration policies. 

Judge Hawk has presided over hundreds of criminal, civil, and family law cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. She has never had a trial overturned for legal error. She follows the law. More than 100 current and retired judges and justices from across Washington endorse Judge Hawk. 

Judge Hawk will bring a strong, independent voice. Endorsed by the National Women’s Political Caucus, local and county Democratic organizations, and the State Labor Council, she understands the concerns of women and working families and will bring that perspective to the Court. Judge Hawk will protect our rights and the rule of law.