Judge Michael Rickert, Ret.

After serving 25 years as a Superior Court Judge in Skagit County, Washington, I’ve retired.  I am a graduate of the National Judicial College Civil Mediation School.  Prior to that I was the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney for 6 years.  My earlier private practice focused on family law and personal injury tort litigation.  I am a graduate of Washington State University and proudly served 5 years as a United States Army officer.

As a judge I had the opportunity to preside over the settlement of literally hundreds of dissolution cases and civil litigations.  Reaching settlements in mediation and arbitration cases is hard work, however my years as a Superior Court judge has enabled me to have a marked advantage in guiding your clients to a successful resolution of their dispute.  

In addition to offering mediation and arbitration services, I will also be available for early case assessment (ECA) consultation and appointment as a Special Master.  It is my intention to create a flexible schedule to accommodate your client's needs and time constraints.

Education

Juris Doctor, University of Puget Sound School of Law, Graduated Cum Laude, (1983)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Washington State University, (1975)

National Judicial College: Civil Mediation, ( 2016)

National Judicial College: General Jurisdiction, (1993)

FBI Prosecuting Attorneys Academy , (1980)

U.S. Army Electronic Warfare School, (1978)

U.S. Army Counter Intelligence School, (1976)

U.S. Army Officer Candidates School, (1976)

U.S. Army Military Police School, (1975)

Professional Experience

Mediator/Arbitrator, Rickert Mediation & Arbitration PLLC, (2017-present)

                     Conducted over 300 mediations with 90+% success rate

                     Certified mediator/arbitrator, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Skagit Superior Court Judge, (1993-2017)

                    Elected to eight terms

                    Presiding Judge 1993-2000, 2006-2008, 2012-2014

                    Longest serving Superior Court Judge in Skagit County history

                    Founded the fourth county Drug Court in the state of Washington: 1994

                    Awarded the William O. Douglas Service Award

                    Instructor at State Judicial College

                    Instructor at Gerry Spence Thunderhead Ranch Judicial College

Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney, (1987-1992)

                  Elected to two terms

                  Managed and led an office of 25+ attorneys and administrative staff

                  Responsible for prosecution of all criminal cases and civil litigation in the county

Partner, Mullen & Rickert Law Firm, (1983-1986)

                General practice firm in Mount Vernon, Washington

United States Army Intelligence Officer (First Lieutenant), (1975-1980)

                Three-year overseas tour