The Re-election of Judge Dufficy Merits Our Support

By Michael B. Dufficy

An article by Attorney John Ralph Thomas that appeared in the Marin County Bar Association Newsletter

We all know of Judge Dufficy, but may not truly know of his experience, expertise and accomplishments. Here are the reasons why I, and hundreds of others, are strongly supporting the re-election of Judge Dufficy:

Unmatched Experience + After graduation from Stanford University and Hastings College of Law, Michael Dufficy served as a Marin County Deputy District Attorney before working 23 years in his own law practice. As a lawyer he handled cases involving real estate, business, and personal injury, tried over seventy jury trials, and was certified as a specialist in both criminal and family law.

As a Judge for almost 14 years, he has held every assignment and made rulings in thousands of cases. In the five years on the criminal court he has heard hundreds of felony matters (including several special circumstance homicide cases) and has never been reversed on appeal.

Judge Dufficy has been recognized by the family law bar for his outstanding service on the family law bench, where for five years he made rulings in hundreds of difficult and often contentious cases. He has also held assignments in the probate and juvenile courts and is currently serving on the civil court bench. He is one of the most knowledgeable and well rounded judges in Northern California.

There is no replacing the level of experience and legal expertise that Judge Dufficy will bring to another term as judge.

Judicial Temperament + Judge Dufficy takes pride in a courtroom that searches for truth and justice, while treating all in attendance with care and dignity. His record reflects a judge who applies the law fairly and treats all victims, litigants and attorneys with respect and impartiality. He also understands that the most vulnerable, especially victims of violence, children, elderly and self-represented litigants, need special attention to make sure their needs are respected, voices heard and rights protected.

Now is not the time for us to experiment with an untested and unproven attorney as judge.

Progressive Leadership + While others will propose progressive changes in the administration of our courts, Judge Dufficy has been implementing them. Twice elected Presiding Judge, he established the Juvenile Drug Court emphasizing treatment rather than punishment for youthful offenders. Judge Dufficy spearheaded the consolidation of the Superior and Municipal Courts and instituted innovative programs that increased the court's efficiency at no additional taxpayer expense. In his next term Judge Dufficy will continue to innovate by using the latest in information technology, emphasizing concern for self-represented litigants, and advocating for the establishment of special courts dealing with domestic violence and mental health issues.

This type of outstanding leadership is earned, not self proclaimed.

Those who best know his judicial record are overwhelmingly supporting him. Judge Dufficy has been endorsed by the Marin County Sheriff, every active and retired Marin County Superior Court Judge, the President and 34 Past-Presidents of the Marin County Bar Association, and three current and retired Justices of the Court of Appeals. In addition, he has the endorsement of former Assemblywoman Kerry Mazzoni, Supervisor Cynthia Murray, San Rafael Mayor Al Boro, and many other community leaders.

By any measure it is clear that Judge Michael Dufficy deserves another term as Judge.