A third-generation native of West Seattle and a lifelong resident of Washington State, Eric and his spouse of 20 years, Kristin Henderson, live in Seattle. Kristin is a lawyer and law librarian. Eric earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Washington and earned his law degree from what is now Seattle University School of Law.

"Broad judicial experience is the key to serving on the King County Superior Court", said Schmidt, who has served as a Commissioner for the Court of Appeals since 2002. Schmidt also serves as a judge pro tempore for the Pierce County Superior Court and was the Senior Health Law Judge for the Washington State Department of Health. "I have addressed nearly every issue that comes before the superior court, including criminal law, civil law, family law and administrative law. I have decided many hundreds of appeals and have presided over both jury trials and non-jury trials in superior court."

Eric's public service to the unbiased rule of law goes well beyond his experience on the bench. He is an adjunct professor of law at the Seattle University School of Law and a lecturer at the University of Washington School of Law. He is the chair of the Washington State Mandatory Continuing Judicial Education Committee and is also the vice-chair of the Washington State Board for Court Education, which oversees all education programs for Washington state judges and court staff.

Supporters

"With his 18 years of judicial experience and deep involvement in judicial and legal education, Eric Schmidt will make an outstanding King County Superior Court Judge." ~ Washington Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens

• Chief Justice Barbara Madsen
• Chief Justice Gerry Alexander (retired)
• Justice Susan Owens
• Justice Tom Chambers
• Justice Mary Fairhurst
• Justice Debra Stephens
• Justice Charles Wiggins
• Commissioner Geoff Crooks (retired)

Qualifications

Court of Appeals Commissioner Eric Schmidt, age 52, was admitted to practicing law in Washington State in 1985. With more than 18 years on the bench, including 10 years as a Commissioner for the Washington Court of Appeals and eight years as a judge for the Department of Health, he has the most judicial experience in this race.

• Bachelor of Arts, University of Washington 1980
• Juris Doctorate, cum laude, Seattle University School of Law, 1985
• Certified Mediator since 1986
• Superior Court Arbitrator 1995-2001
• Master of Arts, University of Washington, 2000
• Ph.D. University of Washington, 2004