HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 01011998 - 1998-065 IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
In the Matter of Commending )
Judge Ellen S.James Upon Her )
Retirement From Public Service RESOLUTION NO.98/65
1
WHEREAS,the Honorable Ellen S,James,Judge of the Superior Court of Contra Costa County,has
retired after more than 27 years of public service, years marked by dedication, leadership and
professionalism;and
YMEREAS,a native of New Jersey,Ellen James graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in New
York with the intention of becoming an English teacher but,fortunately for us,decided to move to
California to attend the University of California's Boalt Hall School of Law receiving her Doctor of
Jurisprudence.Degree in 1969;and
WHEREAS, following a brief period as a research attorney for the Public Defender's Office, Ms.
James joined the staff as a Deputy Public Defender I in 1970 where she served until 1976 when she
was appointed as a Judge in the Mt. Diablo Municipal Court. Judge James was elevated to the
Superior Court in 1982 and held that position until her retirement in 1997;and
WHEREAS, Judge James' career was notable because of her innovation, such as in the use of
"advisory juries," in helping develop guidelines for a fast-track civil program and creating the
successful mediation program which uses volunteer lawyers; her well reasoned rulings in significant
cases affecting the public;her professionalism,earning a reputation as an exceptional settlement judge
and being named "Judge of the Year" in 1987 by the Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers
Association;in her service,including that as Supervising Judge of the Civil Division,President of the
County Law Library Board of Trustees,and while teaching law for the California Center for Judicial
Education and Research;and in the respect she earned from her colleagues during her career,and
WHEREAS, she counts among her professional activities: membership in the California Bar,
California Continuing Judicial Studies Program, California Judges Association, National Women
Judges Association and California Women Lawyers;and
WHEREAS,Ellen James and her husband,Charles,are the parents ofone child,Ellen enjoys playing
the piano,walking and running,and bicycling and hiking with her family in the nearby Sierras;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA
COUNTY,CALIFORNIA RESOLVED that JUDGE ELLEN S.JAMES is COMMENDED upon
her retirement for her exemplary record of public service to the citizens of this County.
PASSED by unanimous vote of the Board members present on this 24th day of February 1998.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution entered on the minutes of
said Board of Supervisors on the date aforesaid.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the
Board of Supervisors affixed this 24th
Day of February, 1998.
PHIL BATCHELOR,County
Administrator and Clerk of the
Board of Supervisors
104
Deputy