Description

Request for Qualifications

Municipal Court Judge Services

City of Yelm, Washington

         I.            Background

The City of Yelm is seeking proposals for qualified individuals interested in serving as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Yelm Municipal Court.

The Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction established pursuant to the Yelm Municipal Code and applicable Washington State law. The Court hears criminal misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, code enforcement matters, and other cases authorized by law.

The City of Yelm seeks a highly qualified judicial officer committed to the fair, impartial, and efficient administration of justice while supporting the City’s commitment to public service.

The Yelm Municipal Court constitutes an independent branch of government. Nothing in this RFQ or any resulting agreement shall impair the Judge’s judicial independence or authority under Washington law, the Code of Judicial Conduct, or Washington court rules.

       II.            Term of Appointment

The Municipal Court Judge shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council (RCW 3.5.040), and serve pursuant to a four-year judicial term.

The anticipated term of appointment is January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030.

     III.            Scope of Service

The Municipal Court Judge shall perform all duties required by Washington State law, court rules, and the Yelm Municipal Code, including but not limited to:

•         Presiding over Municipal Court proceedings.
•         Conducting arraignments, pre-trial hearings, motions, mitigation hearings, contested hearings, and bench trials.
•         Issuing warrants, orders, findings, judgments, and other judicial decisions.
•         Reviewing and signing court documents as required.
•         Working collaboratively with the Court Administrator, Prosecuting Attorney, Public Defender, law enforcement personnel, and City staff.
•         Maintaining all required judicial education and certification requirements.
•         Ensuring efficient administration of court operations and adherence to applicable laws and ethical standards.
•         Establish membership with the District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association (DMCJA) and maintain good standing.

    IV.            Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

•         Be admitted to practice law in the State of Washington and be in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
•         Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Thurston County according to RCW 3.50.057
•         Meet all qualifications required under Washington law to serve as a Municipal Court Judge.
•         Possess demonstrated knowledge of Washington criminal law, court procedures, and rules governing courts of limited jurisdiction.

Preferred qualifications include:

•         Prior judicial experience.
•         Experience serving as a Municipal Court Judge, Judge Pro Tem, Commissioner, or similar judicial officer.
•         Experience with court administration and case management.
•         Familiarity with municipal government operations.
•         While not strictly mandatory, experience and proficiency with modern court technology ecosystems such as E forms, virtual hearing platforms, digital only document handling.

    V.            Proposal Requirements

Interested applicants shall submit: 

1.       Letter of Interest.

2.       Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

3.       Summary of legal and judicial experience.

4.       Description of experience with courts of limited jurisdiction.

5.       Statement describing the applicant’s judicial philosophy and approach to public service.

6.       List of three professional references.

7.       Confirmation of Washington State Bar membership and standing.

8.       Proposed compensation for the four-year contract term[1],  including:

o   Annual compensation requested

o   Methodology used to determine proposed compensation.

o   Any anticipated additional compensation or reimbursement requests.

9.       Description of availability and ability to meet the scheduling needs of the Yelm Municipal Court.

    VI.            Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

•         Qualifications and experience.
•         Judicial temperament and professionalism.
•         Experience with courts of limited jurisdiction.
•         Demonstrated commitment to public service.
•         References.
•         Availability.
•         Proposed compensation.
•         Overall ability to meet the needs of the City and Municipal Court.

   VII.            Tentative Schedule - Current Operational Proceedings Schedule

The court operates on a fixed bi-weekly proceedings schedule to manage its active docket.

        Every other Thursday: Dedicated to In Custody proceedings, Arraignments, Pretrials, Reviews and Civil Infractions. These take all day.

        Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 am are dedicated for only in custody Arraignments and are handled via Zoom.

Activity Date

RFQ Issued:  August 17, 2026

Questions Due:  September 17, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline: September 18, 2026

Application Review:  September 21, 2026

Interviews: Start October 5, 2026

Mayor’s Selection: October 15, 2026

Contract Negotiation and Execution:  November 10, 2026

Appointment Effective: January 1, 2027

 VIII.            Questions

Questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to:

Karen Bennett, HR Director

City of Yelm

106 2nd St SE

 Yelm, WA 98597

 karenb@yelmwa.gov

 (360)458-8402

     IX.            Reservation of Rights

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, request additional information from applicants, modify the selection process, negotiate contract terms, and waive informalities in the proposal process when deemed in the best interest of the City.

The City of Yelm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply.

  
[1] Any ultimately agreed compensation must be established by ordinance and remain consistent with RCW 3.50.080 and GR 29