First Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Lily Oeffler
Retention Year: 2008
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously and strongly recommends that Judge Lily Oeffler BE RETAINED.
Background: Judge Oeffler was appointed to the First Judicial District Court in December, 2005. This is Judge Oeffler’s first performance review since her appointment to the bench. Prior to her appointment, Judge Oeffler served as Assistant County Attorney in Jefferson County for 12 years. She believes community service gives her the perspective necessary to make sound decisions. She has been the manager of numerous school sports teams and has served as a judge in mock trials over the past few years.
Strengths: Jurors who responded to a survey lauded Judge Oeffler for their favorable experience in her courtroom. She received above average comments for fair and polite treatment for those appearing before her. Although non-attorneys rated Judge Oeffler’s performance much higher than attorneys, attorneys did give her an excellent score for issuing consistent sentences in criminal cases. As a recently appointed judge, 88% of the non-attorneys surveyed recommended that Judge Oeffler be retained. Of the attorneys surveyed, 75% recommended her retention.
Weaknesses: When compared to all district judges and all trial judges, Judge Oeffler scored as well as or slightly below the standard of all district judges and all trial judges. It was also noted that there is a perceived prosecution bias both by the attorneys and the non-attorneys. During her interview and in her self-evaluation, Judge Oeffler recognizes she is more familiar and knowledgeable on criminal and civil cases than domestic and family law. She notes as a goal for development to become better-versed and more conversant in domestic proceedings. Commission members who observed Judge Oeffler in court recommend that she speak louder, more clearly and rule more forcefully. The commission recognizes that Judge Oeffler is a new judge and anticipates her performance will improve with experience.
Recommendation: The Commission strongly recommends that Judge Lily Oeffler BE RETAINED.