The state judicial branch in Maricopa County — one of the nation’s largest trial court systems — has a new presiding judge for the first time in six years.
A presiding judge urges other judges and commissioners to efficiently manage caseloads, sometimes with new technology, while also ensuring the people the cases are about feel heard and treated fairly.
Pam Gates is the new presiding judge in Maricopa County. She says while years on the bench can leave one feeling compassion fatigue, judges must keep in mind the stakes for those appearing before them.
“This is a huge day for them. This is a day that they’ve probably thought about for weeks. They probably didn’t sleep last night,” Gates said.
Presiding judges are appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court to a 3-year term that may be renewed once.
A major difference between a judge and a commissioner is that the former is appointed by the governor.
Being unable to afford counsel is one reason why those going through the legal system may feel unwelcome in court.
Gates says most people going through a divorce or seeking custody of their child navigate family court without a lawyer.
“We try and make sure that we provide that education. But we can do better, and we need to do better,” Gates said.
Gates also says Arizona has spent years developing a group of paraprofessionals able to help those without lawyers with legal information, document preparation and even in the courtroom.
