Legal/Judicial Experience: Superior Court, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties since 2011. Washington Bar (1984) and Idaho Bar (1986). Stevens County Superior Court Commissioner (3 years); Judge, pro tem., Stevens County District Court (5 years). Private practice, Chewelah (22 years): extensive trial experience, family, property, probate, criminal, land use, personal injury, and municipal law. City Attorney for Chewelah (20 years) and Kettle Falls (10 years). Stevens County Volunteer Attorney of the Year multiple times.
Other Professional Experience: No information submitted
Education: Colville High School, 1977; University of Idaho, B.A. 1981; J.D. 1984
Community Service: Past president, Stevens County Bar Association, Chewelah Kiwanis Club. Member, CASA Advisory Board.
Statement: Judge Monasmith’s breadth of 32 years’ legal experience has served Tri-County citizens well during his 4+ years on the Superior Court bench. Noted for his steady temper and excellent work ethic, Judge Monasmith has a well-demonstrated commitment to fairness to each party appearing before him, no matter the complexity of the issues. Understanding the plight of persons of limited means, he not only volunteered to represent them when an attorney, but also, as judge, shows patience while maintaining strict fairness to all sides. Attention to the administrative duties of the court also earns him high marks, as he has worked cooperatively with his fellow judge, served as Presiding Judge, and developed a good working relationship with the three County Boards of Commissioners on matters such as budget. His service as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Advisory Board member has given him the necessary perspective to balance the interests of both abused and neglected children and their parents.
While not riding circuit among the three counties he serves, he enjoys spending time with his three children and three grandchildren.
Judge Monasmith is grateful for the opportunity to serve as your judge and respectfully asks for your vote.