The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants to fill an upcoming vacancy for District Court Judge, Department #2. The appointed judge will serve from June 2025 through December 2026.
"The Board of County Commissioners is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent process to identify the most qualified candidate for this important position," said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Board of Commissioners. "We encourage all eligible attorneys with a strong commitment to public service and justice to apply. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition that maintains the high standards of service our community expects from District Court."
Interested candidates must submit the following materials by 11:59 p.m. PST on Feb. 28, 2025, to Dana Daniels, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners:
- Letter of interest
- Current resume
- Completed Washington State Governor's Uniform Official Judicial Questionnaire
Interviews are expected to take place in mid-to late March.
The appointment follows an announcement that current District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Jahns will resign effective May 31, 2025. Per Washington state RCW 3.34.100, the Board of County Commissioners must select a replacement to serve through the remainder of the term, which concludes at the end of 2026.
"Judge Jahns has been an invaluable member of our District Court bench," said Robyn Dunham, District Court Administrator. "His dedication to justice and the rule of law has made a lasting impact on our community."
Judge Jahns has served Kitsap County District Court since 2009. Prior to the bench, he worked as a chief deputy prosecutor in the Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office from 1995 to 2009 and was a criminal defense attorney from 1981 to 1994. Throughout his career, Judge Jahns received numerous accolades. He served as Dean for the 2014 Washington Judicial College and has been a member of the District and Municipal Court Judges Association's Board of Governors.
For more information about this District Court position or the application process, please email Dana Daniels or call 360.337.7080.
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