Judicial Evaluation

Our Purpose

The FLOC Judicial Evaluation Committee provides independent, fair, and nonpartisan evaluations of candidates for judicial office. Our goal is to help promote a judiciary of integrity, competence, and fairness, and to provide meaningful information to the public, appointing authorities, and the Unity Bar of Orange County.

FLOC does not endorse judicial candidates. Instead, we provide ratings based on a careful and confidential evaluation process.

Our Mission

The FLOC Judicial Evaluation Committee provides independent, nonpartisan ratings of judicial candidates based on integrity, competence, temperament, and commitment to equal justice and to the Filipino and broader Asian American communities in Orange County.

These ratings are issued to assist the public, appointing authorities, and the Unity Bar of Orange County in making informed judicial selection and endorsement decisions.

Evaluation Process

The Committee follows a thorough and structured evaluation process designed to ensure fairness, independence, and professionalism.

Step 1: Candidate Questionnaire and Materials

Candidates complete a confidential questionnaire and submit supporting materials, including professional background, writing samples, and references.

Step 2: Independent Review

Committee members review the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and materials.

Step 3: Reference Checks

The Committee conducts confidential reference interviews with attorneys, judges, and others familiar with the candidate’s work.

Step 4: Candidate Interview

Candidates participate in an interview with the Committee to discuss their qualifications, experience, and approach to judicial service.

Step 5: Committee Deliberation and Rating

Following review and discussion, the Committee assigns a rating based on established criteria.

Step 6: Board Approval and Communication

The Committee’s proposed rating is submitted to the FLOC Board for final approval. Approved ratings may be shared with the Unity Bar of Orange County.

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on the following core qualities:

• Integrity and ethical conduct
• Legal knowledge and professional competence
• Judicial temperament, fairness, and impartiality
• Professional experience and judgment
• Reputation among peers and judges
• Commitment to equal justice and access to the courts
• Community involvement and public service

Rating Categories

FLOC may assign one of the following ratings:

• Exceptionally Well Qualified (EWQ)
• Well Qualified (WQ)
• Qualified (Q)
• Not Qualified (NQ)
• Not Rated (NR)

These ratings reflect the Committee’s professional evaluation of the candidate’s overall qualifications.

Independence and Confidentiality

The Committee conducts its evaluations independently and maintains strict confidentiality to ensure candid feedback and a fair process.

Committee members adhere to conflict-of-interest policies and recuse themselves when appropriate.

Relationship to Judicial Endorsements

FLOC provides evaluations and ratings only. The Unity Bar of Orange County retains authority to determine whether to issue endorsements.

Candidate Participation

Judicial candidates interested in being evaluated may contact the Committee at:

judicialevaluation@floclawyers.org