Candidate for
Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 5

Thank you for your interest in this election for judge.

Overview: I left a successful business career at age 35 to go to law school and work as an attorney in the public sector. My judicial aspiration is a continuation of that deeply-held goal to make our government work to help and protect people. In my second career, I have been a Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney for 19 years.

Our Court System: We have a county-wide Superior Court. There are 79 judges and 10 commissioners. There are seven divisions in our court system: Civil, Criminal, Family, Juvenile, Probate, Small Claims, and Traffic. Judges can serve in any division. New judges usually start in the Criminal Division.

First Career: Before going to law school at age 35, I had a career in business. I put myself through college, worked for myself, for small businesses, and for 9 years in high tech.

Education:

• J.D., May 1992, Northeastern University School Of Law, Boston, MA
• B.A., May 1977 Clark University, Worcester, MA - Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

• Santa Clara County Small Claims Court, Temporary Judge
• Santa Clara County Bar Association, Committee Member
• Santa Clara University Law School, Guest Lecturer
• California District Attorneys Association, Guest Lecturer
• Government Attorneys Association, Past President
• Santa Clara County High School Practice Trial Competition, Volunteer Scorer & Judge
• Silicon Valley Humane Society, Volunteer

Broad experience as a Prosecutor: I have more experience than many prosecutors in aspects of civil procedure and civil law because I handled cases that involved civil commitments, asset forfeiture, and consumer protection. On a different front, I have been the prosecutor in our county's collaborative service-oriented courts for defendants with mental or cognitive disabilities. The current economic distress will send even more mentally disordered and economically desperate persons into the criminal justice system - our first responders will be the "default" service providers.

Personal Challenge & Responsibility: I have been happily married for 30 years. My wife, truly my partner in life, is physically-disabled by the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. For over 20 years, much of our life has been affected; travel of any real length for her requires a wheelchair, including even our evening walks. I have learned patience. And I have learned adaptability, and to be a better listener.

Conclusion: I offer my reputation for integrity and fairness, and a breadth of experience both before becoming a lawyer and while serving as a prosecutor.

Thank you for considering me. Please visit my web site to learn more about me.

Respectfully,

Paul Colin