Candidate Ratings and Endorsements

Outstanding.  To be rated “outstanding,” a candidate shall meet the criteria of “highly recommended” and “recommended” and must have the following:

• Candidate exhibits exceptional qualities for judicial service, including exceptional legal ability, outstanding personal and professional integrity, and an interest in, and demonstrated commitment to, working to improve the administration of justice;
• Candidate possesses the highest capacity for distinguished judicial temperament, including courtesy, impartiality, and respect for all persons, the law, the judicial process, and for the dignity of the court;
• Candidate has actively participated in charitable activities, community activities, mentoring, civic organizations, and professional bar organizations; and
• Candidate has consistently exhibited commitment to promoting access to justice for all and has a demonstrated record of advancing women in the legal profession.

In addition, having at least 10 years’ substantial experience appropriate for, and relevant to, the judicial position being sought is preferred.

Highly Recommended.  To be rated “highly recommended,” the candidate shall meet the criteria of “ recommended” and must have the following:

• Candidate exhibits superior qualities for judicial service, including excellence in legal ability, wide experience, wisdom, intellect, insight, and impartiality;
• Candidate has demonstrated a commitment to and has a reputation for integrity, good character, courtesy, and respect for all parties;
• Candidate has actively participated in charitable activities, mentoring, professional bar organizations, and community activities; and
• Candidate is acknowledged in the legal community as affirmatively espousing the position of all women in society and has a demonstrated record of advancing women in the legal profession.

In addition, having at least 5 years’ substantial experience appropriate for, and relevant to, the judicial position being sought is preferred.

Recommended.  To be rated “recommended,” the candidate must possess the following:

• Candidate exhibits the essential qualities and fitness for judicial service, including good legal ability, experience, wisdom, intellect, insight, and impartiality;
• Candidate has a reputation for integrity, good character, courtesy, and respect for all persons; and
• Candidate should be seen in the legal community as affirmatively espousing the position of all women in society and a demonstrated record of advancing women in the legal profession.

Not Recommended.  A candidate shall be rated “not recommended” if:

• Candidate does not exhibit the essential qualities and fitness for judicial service because candidate lacks one or more of the following attributes: good legal ability, experience, wisdom, intellect, insight, or impartiality;
• Candidate is not a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan or not a member in good standing of any other state’s bar association to which he or she has been admitted;
• Candidate is not viewed in the legal community as affirmatively espousing the goals of access to justice for all or the advancement of women in the legal profession; or
• Candidate has failed to meet the criteria for a “recommended” rating.

No Rating.  A candidate shall be given no rating:

• If the candidate withdraws his or her request for a rating before the rating process is completed; and
• If there is insufficient information available to the Committee regarding the candidate’s fitness for judicial office at the time the candidate is being considered for rating.