Candidate: Judge Tamika Washington

Court: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat

Philadelphia Bar Association Rating: Recommended

Ballot Position: 12

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal Intelligencer: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Judge Tamika Washington: I am the child of hard-working parents who were steadfast about my education. At a young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. I went to school at Temple Law so that I could help others, and then I spent 20 years advocating for the voiceless and serving the needs of the community.

I started the Sharon Baptist Church Legal Ministry 12 years ago to help people find legal resources and learn about their legal rights. My husband and I are the proud parents of four young men.

I worked tirelessly in the areas of voter protection, commercial litigation and probate at Legis Group LLC. Before that, I had my own law practice, Law Offices of Tamika Washington P.C. in Philadelphia for 12 years.

Upon opening my practice, I served as a court-appointed attorney, representing families in allegations of neglect or abuse of their children, child custody issues and individuals accused of crimes in criminal court. For over eight years, I also helped employees in state and federal court, who were discriminated against because of their sex, race, nationality and/or disability. I also practiced probate, real estate, and handled appeals in higher courts, ranging from real estate law to dependency. My practice had a unique distinction in that I assisted clients in the defense and pursuit of claims regarding fraudulent title (deed) transfer.

I also served monthly at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Arbitration Center as an arbitrator for 12 years, and then as a volunteer attorney judge pro temp (settlement judge) to relieve the backlog of cases during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Prior to that, I was an assistant city solicitor for four years, where I handled several hundreds of cases regarding children who were neglected and abused, including matters where parents' rights were terminated, or children were reunited with their parents and families.

Before that, at Lafayette Law Group P.C. in Philadelphia, I helped employees to fight discrimination suits based on protected classes such as sex, race, nationality and disability in federal court and state agencies.

The general nature of my practice has changed over the years, from employment discrimination, to dependency, to criminal law, to probate and real estate. However, the common thread is that I have helped people in their worst and best moments in life. I am able to understand the range of emotions people face in court, and I take that essential knowledge with me every day as I take the bench. I understand there are several sides to each story, and that is why I listen to the parties and apply the law to the facts, without favor to identity, sex, race or beliefs, before making a decision.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

Washington: I look at each witness and each defendant as an individual. When sentencing a defendant, I often incorporate resources into their sentence so that after they have served their debt to society, they are more likely to be in a better place than they were before they entered my courtroom. I spent my entire career advocating for the voiceless and served the needs of the community. I have often stood with clients at the worst points in their lives, and have dedicated the majority of my career to the representation of clients who could not afford legal services. As such, I understand the range of emotions that litigants and parties experience throughout the life of the case.

On a daily basis, I perform my duties so that each litigant, no matter their identity or beliefs, receives a fair trial. I continue to be dedicated to the respect, integrity, fairness and compassion that are necessary to serve the citizens of Philadelphia.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

Washington: I have spent 20 years in public service. I have the experience, integrity, fairness and compassion required to make decisions affecting the lives of the citizens of Philadelphia.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system? 

Washington: I currently make sure that matters are heard efficiently. After a matter has received a trial date, and the parties have stated at the pre-trial that the matter is ready, they are on notice that the trial must take place on the scheduled date. Continuances are rarely granted, except in the event of a medical emergency. I am fully aware that often, defendants' and complaining witnesses' lives are affected by trial dates, particularly if defendants are in custody, or if jobs are hanging in the balance. As such, I take parties' time very seriously, and attorneys are clear to take the court's time very seriously.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

Washington: I have served people from all walks of life, from employees discriminated against because of who they love, to parents with limited English seeking to regain custody of their children, to voters seeking to keep their constitutional information private. I hear from police officers, victims of crime, defendants, and their loved ones every single day in court. Most people are upset and angry that they have to be in court. When they enter my courtroom, they see that I hear and understand one person at a time. After hearing each side, I listen to the arguments and I apply the law. Upon leaving my courtroom, even if a person does not agree, they know that their case was fully heard.

Everyone who appears before me, including attorneys and staff, are well-aware that bias is not tolerated in my courtroom. I have been witness to, and have been subject to bias as a woman of color, particularly during my service as an attorney. I have ensured that defendants' preferred gender pronouns are respected. I have reminded court staff to respect everyone, without favor to race, gender, identity or beliefs. As such, I remain dedicated to the equal administration of justice for all people.

Regarding pro se litigants: In my courtroom, criminal defendants must be represented.

I often served on arbitration panels for the Court of Common Pleas, where we had pro se litigants appear. I was careful to show pro se litigants compassion, and was patient with them. At times, more than one explanation is needed. Sometimes the litigants will "ramble" and not ask the right questions. As long as they are not inappropriate, that is okay.

I have shown compassion when I litigated against pro se parties. Even more compassion is needed as a judge, and am able and willing to do so for all those who appear before me. If appropriate, we will keep a list of organizations like Philly VIP and Community Legal Services, and pro bono attorneys for litigants to call, in the event the Clerk of Court does not have a list.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

Washington: Website: www.electjudgewashington.com; Facebook: Tamika Washington for Judge