Last month, SMC introduced a new blog series—essentially a “Who’s Who at SMC” —that lets you get to know the people behind the scenes who make the day-to-day interactions at the court function. Our second person for you to meet is Noah Weil, a magistrate at the court. Click here to see part one of this series.
What does a magistrate do? What are the key differences between judges and magistrates?
Magistrates—of which there are five at SMC—typically handle infraction hearings where individuals mitigate or contest parking and traffic tickets. They are also sworn in to serve as a pro tem judges and are called on to hear criminal cases if a judge is sick, at a conference, on vacation, or off the bench for administrative duties. Magistrates apply to work at the court and are appointed by the presiding judge and serve at the pleasure of the presiding judge, whereas the seven SMC judges are elected to four-year terms.
The exciting part of being a magistrate is that every week is different—my duties are different based on the needs of the court. I appreciate the diversity of the work, but sometimes the notice to fill in for a judge is short—and it can be challenging to get up to speed on cases quickly. In fact, I’d say that is the most difficult part of the role—magistrates don’t always have the history or relationship with a defendant—we must read docket notes and talk to the attorneys about what has transpired.
Sometimes this means defendants appearing before me are concerned and anxious with a new face in the courtroom. However, the magistrates are experienced in addressing these feelings, validating them, and giving them an understanding of the judicial process. Acting compassionately helps raise confidence in the court system, demonstrates active listening, and gives defendants and attorneys more trust in the judicial process.
How long have you been a magistrate at SMC and what did you do previously?
I have worked at SMC for two years. Prior to joining the court, I worked as a public defender, as well as a private criminal defense attorney. I have also been a judge pro tem at various courts in King and Snohomish counties.
Having a law career was not something I always thought I would do. When I was younger, I wanted to be a therapist. I did this for a while, but I found that it was too passive of a career for me. I wanted to more actively help people. After having a minor scrape with the law in my 20s, I thought about what I had experienced and became interested in helping others with legal issues.
I became a law student at Seattle University School of Law and was fortunate to have amazing mentors there—many of whom were judges themselves. They encouraged me to explore pro tem work, and when I did, the work resonated highly with me. I was encouraged to apply to SMC to serve as a magistrate several times, and the third time was the charm!
How is it working with other SMC judges and staff?
The magistrates have a great rapport, and we also enjoy working with staff—we couldn’t do the work we do without the court’s dedicated employees. We recognize that everybody at SMC embodies the court’s mission and it’s evident working alongside them.
Having had good mentors yourself, do you now give back to the younger generation?
Outside of my day-to-day duties, I assist with Seattle Youth Traffic Court and mentor law students. Our family is also active in our local community as volunteers with scouting and Girl Scouts.
What are some personal notes you’d like to share?
I just completed the Seattle Half Marathon that I ran with my father, who is in his 70s! I have a wife and two children. I’m originally from Minnesota but have been in Seattle for 22 years, and I love living here.