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Ratings and TestimonialsJudge Jean Rietschel has received the following top judicial evaluation ratings: King County Bar Association
Here’s what Judge Jean’s colleagues say about her: “Appointed in 1996, Judge Rietschel quickly developed an enviable reputation for fairness, patience, intelligence, good humor and level-headedness. Her leadership skills were quickly recognized, and she became acting presiding judge in 1998 after serving less than two years on the bench.” “Judge Rietschel brings education, humanity, and a keen knowledge of the law to our Seattle Municipal Court bench. On a daily basis she ensures everyone has access to justice. We are fortunate to have her as a Seattle Municipal Court Judge.” “Judge Rietschel’s abilty to work with people and her balanced temperament are keys to her success as a judge. Her approachability, tact and sense of humor have earned her the respect of court staff. . .” “What I respect and appreciate most about Jean is her understanding and commitment to the executive team approach to court management. She is willing to consult and seek consensus [on court administrative issues] before deciding. She understands the big picture of the future and direction of the court. Our executive team has a good relationship and she works to maintain it.” Judge Judith Hightower, Profile, Judge Jean Rietschel, King County Bar Journal, January 2001 Judge Jean receives high praise from the Seattle Post Intelligencer In its editorial regarding the dismissal of charges against former Greenpeace spokesmen for speaking to the press about a protest, the Post Intelligencer said, “Judge Jean Rietschel was clearly right in stopping a move that would make it a crime to talk to reporters.” Judge Rietschel called the charges against the former Greenpeace spokesmen too board and vague and a violation of First Amendment freedom of speech. “Dismissal of the charges against [the former Greenpeace spokesmen] is consistent with the public’s interest in free speech.” In another editorial regarding the Relicensing Court, the Post Intelligencer credited Judge Jean Rietschel with “a sensible approach” to treatment of those convicted for driving while license suspended. “The Municipal Court of Seattle, under the direction of Presiding Judge Jean Rietschel, has created a court to deal specifically with those cited for driving while license suspended in the third degree. . . Credit for this sensible approach goes to the court, the public and private agencies concerned about the burden of the law on low-income drivers and City Attorney Mark Sidran and the City Council for sticking with the impound approach.” In an article about court budget cuts, the Post Intelligencer wrote: “The judge, Jean Rietschel, did what was unimaginable a decade ago -- when the court was known for racing through cases and dispensing what was derisively called "McJustice." She paused. She listened to stories about struggling to support children. She heard how fines and fees to free impounded cars were adding up. And taking all that into account, she figured most people would be better off if they could get their cars back and go to work. So she reduced their penalties and sent them off with a warning not to come back before her again.” And journalist Susan Paynter says that the Domestic Violence Court started and overseen by Judge Jean Rietschel “is the avenue to order and fairness”. Paynter wrote a column on the Domestic Violence Court, and the complexity of domestic violence cases. In one particular case dealing with defendant “Mr. K”, Paynter wrote, “fortunately for his victim and unfortunately for Mr. K, Judge Jean Rietschel has heard it all before. Not just excuses in general, but this gentleman's tale in particular. Mr. K apologizes for the trouble he's caused. He promises to do better. And Rietschel sighs, saying she hopes he will. But, since she has seen no sign so far that he means it, she orders 90 days ‘hard custody.’ . . . Multiply this by 2,200 DV cases filed per year resulting in 9,000 hearings and it's clear that this specialized court is the avenue to order and fairness.”
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