County Council fills vacancies in District Court

April 10, 2017

Summary

York, Poydras appointed to Southeast Court

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today filled two judicial vacancies in the King County District Court, appointing Matthew York and Jason Poydras to fill vacancies in the court’s Southeast Division.

“Jason Poydras and Matthew York are eminently qualified to serve as new District Court Judges in King County,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “I am confident that they will promote a fair and equitable justice system during their tenure, and I congratulate them on their respective appointments.”

“Matthew York and Jason Poydras will both serve Southeast King County well,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, whose district includes the Southeast Court. “The King County District Court plays an integral role in our criminal justice process and so I’m glad we as a council are appointing well qualified judges today.”

A graduate of the University of Reno, Matthew York earned his law degree from Willamette University. He has been serving as a Judge Pro-Tem in Municipal and District courts.

Jason Poydras is a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans and the Seattle University School of Law. Poydras’ experience includes serving as both an Administrative Law Judge and a Judge Pro-Tem.

York and Poydras were two of five finalists interviewed by the Council’s Committee of the Whole on April 5.

“Jason Poydras and Matthew York are both talented, experienced lawyers who will make terrific additions to the King County District Court bench,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci, chair of the Committee of the Whole. “They both bring strong connections to their communities, strong work ethics and exceptional legal qualifications. Their energy and commitment to justice will make them valuable assets for the residents of southeast King County.”

All of the candidates were rated and referred to the Council by the King County Bar Association (KCBA) and were also rated by one or more of the other bar associations that perform judicial evaluations consistent with Chapter 2.70 of the King County Code. Each of the final candidates received a rating of “Exceptionally Well Qualified” from at least one of the bar associations.

After their appointments, if they want to continue on the bench, York and Poydras will have to stand for election in 2018.