Clark County Superior Court

BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

March 14, 2023

Persons in attendance: Nicholas Alexander (nick@vancouverwillsandtrusts.com) Le Ann Larson (LeAnn.Larson@clark.wa.gov) Rachel brooks (rachel@guardianship-law.com) Dan Lloyd (Dan. Lloyd@cityofvancouver.us) Jessi Anderson (jessi@ccvlp.org) Leslie Lopez (Leslie.Lopez@clark. wa.gov), Carl Snodgrass (carl.snodgrass@nwjustice.org), Anna Klein (Anna.Klein@clark.wa.gov), Judge Fairgrieve (John.Fairgrieve@clark.wa.gov) and Judge Retsinas (nancy.retsinas@clark.wa.gov)

If you have matters that you would like to bring to the attention of the Bench/Bar, you are welcome to contact the above-mentioned members of the committee.

OLD BUSINESS:

No old business to report.

NEW BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Judge Fairgrieve: About to implement big changes in criminal world, April 3 new docket structure, per consultants recommendations. Main change is first appearance; now in afternoons. We were told attorneys needed more time, so moved later in the day (not the morning). Criminal division with five judges, three will be assigned to try cases, one will be doing 1st appearances, the other is the motions judge. A few info sessions, first Monday the 20th at noon, room 679 at services building to talk about process and procedure. And again the 23rd at 6 pm in my courtroom. Explanations and questions will be answered. Overall, idea is to improve efficiency and hopefully addresses big problems. Will take a while (90 or 180 days) to see results. Supreme case gave us guidance as to what they want to see for conclusion of cases, and we were not hitting benchmarks. Even before COVID was not getting to resolution in a reasonable timeframe.

• District Mock Trial tournament in February. Two divisions (one five teams, one six teams). The following are going to State. Cedar Tree, Camas, Columbia White Salmon HS, and Cascadia Tech, plus Columbia River and Chief Sealth.

• Still looking for judges for the State tournament (Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 3/24 to 3/26) – if interested contact YMCA in Seattle or Judge Lewis.

Curtis Welch: The district Mock Trial tournament ran very smoothly. Judge Fairgrieve’s work and Commissioner Sasser’s work on the tournament is very much appreciated.

Jessi Anderson: Hired Sharon Cousineau– FT on staff for housing matters, to the point of eviction docs served (then to right-to-counsel takes over).

Leslie Lopez: Nothing today.

Judge Retsinas: Nothing today.

Carl Snodgrass: Nothing today.

Rachel Brooks: Nothing today.

Dan Lloyd: VPD body cameras are now operational. The City would appreciate feedback from the court, prosecutors, and defense bar as to functionality once footage has been used consistently in the courtroom in order to improve the process.

Le Ann Larson: New family law court calendar when into effect last week. Just takes time for adjustment, which is expected.

MEETING ADORNED 12:18 pm.

Respectfully Submitted, Nicholas Alexander