Clallam County Bar

Clallam County lawyers & legal news

Angeles Mediation

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Angeles Mediation

Free legal advice August 3 2026

The Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers and the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center are offering free pro bono legal advice on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Session times are 2-3 pm for all county residents, and 1-2 pm for Lower Elwha community members.

Legal topics include:

  • Family law matters
  • Divorce
  • Custody
  • Child support
  • Landlord / tenant
  • Domestic violence / sexual assault
  • Creditor / bankruptcy
  • Estate planning
  • Employment
  • Foreclosure
  • Expungement / vacate criminal convictions

The clinic is being held at the Lower Elwha Kallam Heritage Center at 401 E. 1st Street in Port Angeles.

Reservations are not required but recommended. Contact the pro bono office at 360-504-2422 or [email protected].

Family Court settlement conferences now 2.5 hours long

The Clallam County Family Court settlement conferences have increased from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. They are still offered on Mondays and Thursdays.

On Monday, there are two settlement conference start times available, 9:15 and 1:45. (Previously there were four start times to accommodate four cases.)

On Thursdays, there is one settlement conference start time which is 9:15. (There were previously two start times to accommodate two cases.

ClallamCountyBar.com supports the increased time, 1.5 hours was too short, and recommends everyone heading into a settlement conference to be well prepared.

What is a settlement conference?

These are basically a mediation, usually handled by the Family Court Commissioner, but sometimes by a Clallam County Superior Court Judge or a pro tem judge (part time). The Commissioner or Judge is not allowed to tell anyone how to settle their case, and cannot force anyone to settle. Everyone participating has the right to walk away.

The Commissioner/Judge’s job is to try to facilitate both parties to come to an agreement. They cannot give legal advice, but they can offer limited legal information and if requested can offer an opinion about how the case might handled if an agreement is not reached and the parties need to go to trial.

Under Clallam County Local Rules, each case may have one settlement conference. If you can’t settle in the settlement conference, a second one may be available, but only if both people agree.

If you don’t reach an agreement at the settlement conference, you can have a private mediation if both people agree, or you can negotiate directly with the other person. If you don’t reach an agreement somehow, then your case needs to go to trial to obtain a final order ending the case.

You can bring a lawyer or friend to the settlement conference.

You can hire a private mediator if you want. Private mediation can be for a longer time than 2.5 hours if that’s needed (which is common), and mediators can usually offer a mediation date sooner than the next available settlement conference. Mediation can also take place over several days, and any combination of in-person, phone, or Zoom. Private mediation costs money, and settlement conferences are free.

How do I get a settlement conference in Clallam County?

To get a settlement conference in your case, just file a Notice of Hearing (from the Washington Courts forms page, https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/), set the hearing date for 8:45 a.m. on any Friday at least 9 days before the Friday you choose. If you provide your email address, the Court Administrator will contact both parties by email to find a date that works. If you don’t have email, the Administrator may call you, or else you will have to go down to the Court Administrators window at the Courthouse (second floor, behind the elevator).

When setting a settlement conference, you may be able to get the next available date, which may be several months out from when you ask for the date.

Courthouse Facilitator office is open again

The Clallam County Courthouse Facilitator position has been filled and the office is open as of June 2026. The Facilitator’s office is in room 3003 on the second floor of the Clallam County Courthouse. Facilitator hours, contact and appointments, fee schedule and other information, is posted on the Facilitator’s web page.

District Court I Judicial election candidates: Alex Schodowski and Patrick Murphy

Patrick Murphy and Alexandrea Schodowski are running for the position of judge in the Clallam County District Court I, located in Port Angeles, WA. The election is this fall, 2026. This article takes a look at both candidates.

The current judge is Dave Neupert who is retiring at the end of his current term.

Quick facts

Alex SchodowskiPatrick Murphy
– Licensed to practice in Washington: 2011
– Education: Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School, JD
– Years in Clallam-Jefferson County: 15
– Legal experience: deputy criminal prosecutor (5 yrs); criminal defense attorney, private general practice (10 yrs)
– Prior judicial experience: 10 years as part time (substitute) judge
– Current position: partner, Schodowski Law Inc. PS, Port Townsend		– Licensed to practice in Washington: 2015
– Education: University of Washington, BA Political Science, Seattle University School of Law, JD
– Years in Clallam County: 7
– Legal experience: Deputy prosecutor, District Court, Clallam County, 7 years, private practice in tax and family law (4 yrs)
– Prior judicial experience: none
– Current position: Deputy prosecutor, Clallam County

Candidate statements

Alex SchodowskiPatrick Murphy
I am seeking election as Clallam County District Court Judge to continue serving the community with fairness, professionalism, and integrity. Through years of experience both practicing before the courts and serving on the bench as a District Court Judge Pro Tem and Superior Court Commissioner, I have developed the practical experience and judicial temperament necessary for the role.

I believe courts function best when judges are prepared, impartial, respectful, and grounded in the realities of the communities they serve. I am committed to applying the law thoughtfully, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring every person who enters the courtroom is heard and treated fairly.

I believe I have the experience, temperament, and work ethic necessary to serve this community fairly and effectively from day one.		Our quality of life is at risk in both Port Angeles and Sequim, with shuttered businesses, increasing drug use and a rise in quality of life crimes.

Clallam County District Court 1 needs a new, more effective direction.

All residents need to feel secure in their homes and in public places. District Court provides the means to make sure all of us can live our daily lives in peace. Balancing firm accountability with restorative justice practices will improve the safety and well-being of Clallam County residents. As judge, I will give fair consideration to both sides. I will also ensure that firm and appropriate safeguards are in place at every stage of the judicial process. As your District 1 Judge, I will ensure these values are supported.

Living in Sequim and working in Port Angeles gives me a more holistic perspective on the pulse of the greater community. I know the challenges that Clallam County faces first hand. These challenges require a district judge who both lives and works in the community and has a stake in the quality of life of all its residents. I will continue to renew that commitment daily.

I respectfully ask for your vote

Endorsements

Alex SchodowskiPatrick Murphy
Clallam County District Court I Judge David Neupert: “As a Pro Tem Judge, Alex Schodowski has earned my trust to step into my courtroom and handle matters with fairness, preparation, and integrity. That is not a responsibility I take lightly. I am confident the people of Clallam County can trust her to serve as their next District Court Judge.”

For more endorsements, see https://alexschodowski.com/#endorsements		Stephen Robley, Sergeant, Washington State Patrol (Ret.)

Campaign material information

“Alex is running for District Court Judge because she believes experience, fairness, reparedness, and steady leadership are essential to maintaining public trust in the courts. She is committed to treating every person who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect while applying the law fairly and impartially.”

Alex has handled thousands of cases as a judge pro tem in Clallam County District and Superior Court. (A pro tem judge is a substitute judge, filling in when an elected judge is not available or has a conflict of interest.)		Prior experience: Certified Tax Preparer with the IRS

Community service: Instructor, Sexual Assault Investigation Protocols; Member, General Advisory Committee on Competency Restoration and Mental Health Services.

Information from candidate websites

https://alexschodowski.com

Alex has Represented clients in criminal defense, DUI defense, and personal injury law. She has been in private practice with her husband for the last 10 years.		https://www.votemurphyjudge.com

“The District Court is often the first, and sometimes the only, interaction residents have with our judicial system. I am running to ensure that consequences are balanced with compassion; punishment with forgiveness; and accountability with rehabilitation.”

Editor’s note: ClallamCountyBar.com does not endorse judicial candidates. We seek to provide neutral and balanced information for you to make your own decision. ClallamCountyBar.com is not associated with the Clallam County Bar Association.

Lorraine Rimson appointed Family Court Commissioner

Lorraine Rimson has been appointed to serve as the Clallam County Superior Court Family Court Commissioner. She takes the bench on June 1, 2026. She will handle all family law pre-trial matters, protection order requests, and other matters. The Commissioner position has been vacant since the prior Commissioner was discharged in February, 2026.

Lorraine Rimson and her dog

Commissioner Rimson has been working in Port Townsend. She ran her own law firm and handled family law matters. Since March, 2023, she has served as the Jefferson County Superior Court Commissioner and as a Commissioner Pro Tem (substitute) for the Clallam County Superior Court since January, 2023. She has also served as Commissioner for Clallam County District Court II and Jefferson County District Court, and as Jefferson County District Court Judge Pro Tem. Overall, Commissioner Rimson brings 30 years of experience to the bench.

Prior Clallam County Family Court Commissioners were William G. Knebes (who established the Family Court 37 years ago and served for 20 years), Brent Basden, Brandon Mack, Elizabeth Stanley, and Brian Parker.

ClallamCountyBar.com warmly welcomes Commissioner Rimson and wishes her a long tenure.

WA Supreme Court to hold court in Port Angeles

The Washington State Supreme Court will be holding court and hearing two cases in Port Angeles on May 28, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. The Supreme Court is based in Olympia, WA, and normally hears cases there. However the Court has a Traveling Court program and they hear cases in cities across the state.

Cases in the Supreme Court have been appealed from a trial court ruling. Lawyers for both sides file numerous documents in the appeals process, including appeal briefs, and then the lawyers are allowed to present “oral argument,” which is their chance to argue their client’s case to Court. Oral argument is what will happen a Peninsula College in Port Angeles for the two cases below.

The public is encouraged to attend these sessions as observers. After the Court session is completed, the nine Supreme Court Justices will take questions from you, members of the public, about anything you want to ask them.

Two Cases being heard

Traveling Court Program

The Traveling Court program presents a rare opportunity for members of the bench and bar, students, and the broader community to observe the work of the state’s highest court firsthand. The Washington State Supreme Court will hear oral arguments at Peninsula College’s Port Angeles Campus in the “Little Theater” on Thursday, May 28th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. 

Case 1               State v. Martinez-Loyola, No. 104658-8

Issue: After Martinez-Loyola was convicted, a juror made remarks that suggested racial or ethnic bias that may have affected the proceedings.  The trial court held an evidentiary hearing and concluded the version was not affected by racial bias.  This court will consider what is the proper standard of review of that decision and under that proper standard of review, did the trial court err?

Case 2               Baker v. Seattle Children’s Hospital, No. 104590-4

Issue: Washington’s Privacy Act generally prohibits someone from intercepting or recording private communications without all parties’ consent.  Children’s Hospital used software to collect data on its website users’ actions.  It both used and shared that data with others for marketing purposes.  Did that use violate the Privacy Act?

These briefs are available on the court’s website at www.courts.wa.gov/briefs.  Search under “Supreme Court” by the case number. 

Free legal advice on Saturday July 18, 2026

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers will provide a free legal aid clinic from 10-noon. The pro bono legal services are offered by phone or Zoom where you can speak to a lawyer and get free advice.

Lawyer availability is first come first served, so to ensure you can get an appointment, it is highly recommended that you pre-register in advance. Pre-registering will also help the pro bono office to collect any documents you may need the lawyer to review. Contact information is below.

Legal topics which can be discussed in these pro bono sessions may include:

  • Divorce, custody, child support and other family law matters
  • Landlord-tenant issues
  • Domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Creditor issues and bankruptcy
  • Estate planning
  • Employment
  • Foreclosure
  • Expungement / vacate criminal convictions

Register in advance by calling 360-504-2422, or emailing [email protected].

Free legal advice May 16 2026

Free one-on-one legal consultations with a lawyer are available on Saturday, May 16, 2026. These consultations are by Zoom video meetings.

The available meeting times are between 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Pre-registration is required

Pre-registration is required if you want to talk to a lawyer. To register, or for more information, contact Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers at 360-504-2422 or [email protected].

Free legal advice for tenant rights, April 25 2026

A live presentation on tenant rights and evictions, and free one-on-one legal consultations with a lawyer is happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Port Angeles Food Bank & Market. The address is 632 N. Oakridge Dr, Port Angeles (next to and behind Walmart).

The time is 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Free legal advice begins immediately after the presentation on a first come first served basis. This is open to the general public.

It’s best to pre-register if you want to talk to a lawyer. To register, or for more information, contact Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers at 360-504-2422 or [email protected].

E-filing system to change

The Clallam County Clerk’s Office is changing their document management and E-filing systems in April, 2026. During the transition, no E-filing will be possible from April 6 through April 10, 2026. Information from the Clerk’s Office is below.

Clallam County Clerk – Document Management System Transition

Transition to Enterprise Justice DMS

The Clallam County Clerk’s Office will transition from the current OnBase Document Management System (DMS) to the Enterprise Justice (EJ) Document Management System.

  • Go-Live Date: April 6, 2026
  • After this date, the Clerk’s Office will no longer add records to the OnBase DMS.
  • We are currently working to convert existing OnBase records to the Enterprise Justice DMS.

Access for Current OnBase Subscribers

If you currently hold an OnBase subscription:

  • You will continue to have access through the OnBase WebClient for the remainder of 2026 only.
  • You may register for an Odyssey Portal subscription at no additional cost for the remainder of 2026 only, fees will apply for 2027 forward.

Access for Non-Subscribers

For users who do not currently have an OnBase subscription:

  • You will have the option to subscribe to the Odyssey Portal for a fee to access records.
  • The Clerk’s Office is updating its fee schedule, and subscription costs will be finalized soon. The Clerk’s Office will send out additional information on Odyssey Portal subscriptions.
  • The Odyssey Portal will still be available for public use without a subscription, though some features may be limited.

New E-Filing System: e-FileWA

As part of this transition, the Clerk’s Office will implement a new e-filing system.

Temporary E-Filing Downtime

Because of the system transition:

  • No e-filing will be available for Clallam County Superior Court from
    April 6, 2026 – April 10, 2026.

Please plan accordingly during this period.

Questions

If you have any questions about the transition, please contact the Clallam County Clerk’s Office.