Judge

Kathryn Nelson - Superior Court judge since 2001

Ratings

By 101 attorneys

Legal ability: 3.12 (20th)

Integrity, impartiality: 3.67 (16th)

Professionalism: 3.77 (16th)

Administrative skills: 3.69 (18th)

By 65 jurors

Average rating: 4.77

Attorney comments

• "Judge Nelson is an ever-improving jurist. She has grown in the job and experience has made her better. It is actually a pleasure to appear in her court."
• "She does not understand the rules of evidence. She does not make an effort to educate herself further. She does not appear to give the appropriate consideration to agreements made by the parties. She does not have a judicial air."
• "She is always well prepared and has read both parties' materials. She makes prompt, legally sound decisions and runs her calendar efficiently."
• "Unfortunately, while Judge Nelson is a very nice person, legal reasoning and application does not appear to be her strong suit."

Judge's Response

"Taxpayers expect me to be fair, honest and knowledgeable. Since rulings create winners and losers, it does not surprise me that 3 percent of attorneys respond to anonymous surveys with fulsome praise or criticism. What is important are the people who sought and found justice as a result of my decisions."