It’s with a crazy mixed bag of emotions that I leave my Executive Assistant position at the hospital to return to bailiff-life at the Superior Court! In less than a week, I was convinced to submit my resume to one of the newly appointed judges, interviewed and accepted as his new bailiff. I guess I could have played it cool when he called with the offer, but I just felt compelled to grab the opportunity to work for this judge.
This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy working for my executives, directors, managers and board of directors at the hospital. It was an incredible learning opportunity and I feel that I have done much to improve processes and organization in my 12 months there. As my first corporate job, and one in an industry I’d known nothing about, I was fascinated by what it takes to run a hospital. I learned about staffing, capital, healthcare, insurance, supporting a board of directors, etc. I gained the respect and friendship of the people I worked with daily, which makes it difficult to leave.
I return, however, to a position I know like the back of my hand, for a newly appointed judge. It was a great honor to be asked to return as a seasoned bailiff. The relationship between judge and bailiff is very important and I am proud to say that I will be supporting a man who’s law practice is both impressive and inspiring.
“Whedbee has focused on civil rights cases, tort litigation, employment law, criminal representation and Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act litigation.
He served as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Helen G. Berrigan in the Eastern District of Louisiana and Judge Ronald M. Gould in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Whedbee also worked as an attorney for Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Petersen & Daheim in Seattle and served as pro bono special assistant for the general counsel to Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2006.
Whedbee served for 11 years as a board member for ACLU of Washington. In 2018, he was named ACLU of Washington’s representative on the ACLU National Board.
“David has a deep commitment to civil liberties and to holding powerful interests accountable,” Inslee said. “He has an excellent professional reputation and will make a great addition to the bench.”
So it is with great honor and respect that I start my new position. Leaving behind friends and wonderful associates. But already my old friends have started to hear the news and I’m receiving messages of excitement and welcoming me back. And as I set to make my current position ready for my replacement, I do so with a smile on my face as the court prepares for my return.
Wish me luck!