First Judicial District - Jefferson County Court Judge
Honorable Tina L. Olsen
Retention Year: 2004
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Jefferson County Judge Tina L. Olsen BE RETAINED.
Judge Olsen served as a Jefferson County District Court Magistrate from 1987 to 1997. She was appointed to the Jefferson County Court in September 1997. Prior to becoming a magistrate, she served as a deputy district attorney for the First Judicial District.
Of the attorneys surveyed, 82% recommended retention, 10% recommended non-retention, and 8% were undecided. Of the non-attorneys surveyed, 80% recommended retention, 9% recommended non-retention, and 10% were undecided. She was rated as average or above average in all categories by attorneys, and well-above average in all categories by non-attorneys. She received high ratings in demeanor, fairness and communication. Some of her strengths were said to be "people skills," respect for all participants, giving everyone a fair opportunity to be heard, and knowledge of the law.
Despite her high ratings in the survey, Judge Olsen is committed to improving her judicial skills and courtroom efficiency. She plans to participate in training for conducting settlement conferences in the future. Her commitment to excellence and sincere self-evaluation were impressive to the Commission.
Judge Olsen is active in community service. She believes community involvement is important to her judicial role. She is particularly interested in juvenile projects, speaking at schools and juvenile justice facilities. She volunteered to handle truancy cases in addition to her regular caseload. Her positive personal attributes and devotion to high judicial standards make her an excellent judge.