Judge endorses Brian Miller

At the primary election on August 7, you will elect the next Adams County Superior Court judge. Critical to your evaluation of the candidates and for whom to vote, trial experience, integrity and demeanor are three of the most important characteristics to assess. Attorney Brian Miller wins, hands down, on all three.

As Superior Court judge for the State of Washington in Kittitas County (Ellensburg) for almost 23 years (I retired in October 2011), I have enjoyed the personal experience of presiding over trials in which Brian Miller excelled as an attorney. I recall two specific trials, one in which he obtained a sizeable verdict in a personal injury case for Kittitas County client and another in which he again won a large judgment for Adams County landowners in a highway condemnation suit. In each trial, Miller displayed superior trial skills, from his knowledge of the rules of evidence and procedure to the art of examination and cross-examination to trial tactics and strategy. His experience in each skill carried the day for his clients. In turn, Miller’s trial experience will give him a running start as your Superior Court judge. Attorneys practicing before him will know of his experience, respect him for it and be much less likely to either test his skill or take advantage of him the way attorneys tend to challenge an inexperienced attorney with only one or two jury trials under his belt who finds himself or herself suddenly on the bench.

Brian Miller also has integrity. I have known him for more than 40 years. During that time he has always been a man of his word, whether appearing before me or on the opposite side of litigation when I was an attorney. Additionally, Miller has a reputation for integrity. When I was president of the state-wide Superior Court Judges’ Association from 2006-2007, several colleagues from central and eastern Washington counties commented to me on the outstanding skill set Brian Miller had developed during his years as a trial attorney handling cases of all sorts and complexity in several surrounding counties and what a pleasure it was to have him litigate cases in their courts. But they liked him best because he kept his word to them and to the jurors before whom he presented the cases.

Just as critical as experience and integrity is demeanor. During the entire time I have known Brian Miller he has displayed that humble, yet confident presence. He is always courteous, even-tempered and respectful. And most importantly, he does not take himself too seriously. In other words, he can laugh often at himself. And, he listens. Witnesses and attorneys will be well served because he will listen to their testimony and arguments, be prepared on the legal issues advanced and weight the cases appropriately to render a logical, well-reasoned decision.

I strongly urge you to vote for Brian Miller to become Adams County’s next Superior Court judge.

Michael E. Cooper, Spokane