Steve Rosen is a respected part time judge and Seattle-based attorney in private practice running for an open seat on the Seattle Municipal Court.

As the only judge for the City of Black Diamond, Judge Rosen handles all of the court duties, criminal and traffic cases, and works with city departments on all justice issues. In addition, he has served as judge pro tem (temporary, fill-in judge) in courts from Everett to Tacoma.

Judge Rosen is a former Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year for Pierce County. As a prosecutor in King and Pierce Counties, Judge Rosen handled dozens of juvenile, drug and computer crime cases. When he was an Assistant Attorney General, he prosecuted Washington’s most dangerous sexually violent predators. In his private practice, Steve handles cases in District, Municipal and Superior Court, from simple misdemeanors to complex felonies and civil cases. He has tried over 100 cases by jury trial as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and Judge.

Judge Rosen is running to bring his  legal knowledge and experience on the bench to the Seattle Municipal Court. As the court with the highest case volume – and one most citizens interact with – Judge Rosen knows the importance of taking time to hear each matter and carefully consider how the experience can change the people who appear before him. Judge Rosen believes that our judicial system can improve lives and should always protect public safety.

Updates:

6/13 - The filing period is over!  Steve has not drawn an opponent!  The race is essentially over. Thank you all for your help and support this past year.  Here are the filing results.

6/7 - Steve has been endorsed by Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark.

6/4 - The King County Elections Office has just announced that the vacant seat created by Judge Rietschel's departure will be Position #3 on the ballot.  Steve will be filing for Position #3 on Monday.

6/3 - The King County Bar Association just released the results of its Survey of Judges by Attorneys.  All of Steve's average rankings were between Very Good and Excellent, the two highest ratings, and placed him among the highest rated judges in King County's District and Municipal Courts.

5/28 - Steve has been endorsed by the King County Labor Council.

5/23 - Steve has been endorsed by the 34th Legislative District Democrats.

5/20 - Steve's 5 point plan to improve Seattle Municipal Court is available here.

5/18 – Outgoing Seattle Municipal Court Judge Rietschel has announced her endorsement of Judge Steve Rosen for the seat she is vacating, saying ““Steve will bring years of experience  to the Municipal Court.  More importantly, his energy, ideas and innovation will make the court more efficient and effective.”

5/17 – Today the Governor announced the appointment of Seattle Municipal Court Judge Jean Rietschel to the King County Superior Court, effective June 1.  Judge Rietchel’s departure leaves an open seat on the Seattle Municipal Court.  

5/3 - Steve has been endorsed by the King County Police Officers Guild.  

4/13 - Steve has been endorsed by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs

3/30 - Steve has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified to be a judge on the Seattle Municipal Court by the King County Bar Association.  This is their highest rating.

3/27 - Steve volunteered today as a judge in the State finals for the high school mock trial competition in Olympia.  See the results here and general competion info here.

3/26 - Steve has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified to be a judge on the Seattle Municipal Court by the Loren Miller Bar Association.  This is their highest rating.

3/24 - Steve has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified to be a judge on the Seattle Municipal Court by the Asian Bar Association of Washington.  This is their highest rating.

3/16 - The campaign kickoff was a huge success!  We had lots of judges, attorneys, and citizens out to support Steve in a beautiful setting.  Thanks to Foster Pepper for hosting.

3/15 - Steve has been endorsed by the Citizens for Judicial Excellence.  In its endorsement, the CJE said, "The membership of our organization believes that you will be an asset to the Seattle bench and that you embody those qualities we believe are important in a judge.  In endorsing your candidacy, we are communicating to the voters that you have met our high standards and will serve the people well."

2/27 - Steve volunteered today as a judge in the high school mock trial competition.  See the Seattle Times article here.

2/22 - Steve volunteered today at the YWCA, training people regarding the reintegration of prisoners into society.

7/09 - The Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court appointed Steve to the Judicial Information System Committee.  This is the committee of judges, court clerks, lawyers and others who are in charge of the Courts' statewide computer systems and databases.