Appointed to the bench in 2006, Judge James Michie scores higher than the average of his juvenile court peers in procedural fairness and consistent with the average in all other survey categories. From a list, survey respondents choose 98% positive adjectives to describe him. They characterize him as a consistently kind, caring judge who is especially good at listening attentively, allowing ample time for those appearing before him to speak, and thoroughly explaining his actions. Survey respondents also report, however, that Judge Michie has difficulty managing his court calendar, resulting in delays and long hearings that undermine respect for the time of courtroom participants. Courtroom observers also emphasize Judge Michie’s genuine caring and concern for each juvenile, noting that he takes every opportunity to guide juveniles towards a better future. Observers all report they would feel comfortable appearing before him. Of survey respondents answering the retention question, 97% recommend that Judge Michie be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Michie has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge James R. Michie, Jr. was appointed to the Third District Juvenile Court in 2006 by Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. He graduated cum laude from the University of Utah in 1986 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah College of Law in 1989. Thereafter, Judge Michie practiced public finance law with the law firm of Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll. He served as a Guardian ad Litem from September 1999 until his appointment to the bench. Judge Michie served on the Children’s Justice Center Board for several years, on the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice from 2008-2015, and as the Presiding Judge for Third District Juvenile Court from 2011-2013.