Gavel 3 (copy)

Two Medford-based attorneys with decades of experience arguing in Jackson County Circuit Court believe it’s their turn to have the gavel.

Christine Herbert, a public defender, and Joseph Davis, a family law attorney, are on the May 21 primary election ballot for Jackson County Circuit Court judge, Position 5.

The seat was vacated by Timothy Gerking, who retired Dec. 31.

If the primary election results in a clear winner, Gov. Tina Kotek will have the option to appoint that person so that they can take office immediately instead of Jan. 6, 2025.

Herbert has never run for elected office. Davis ran for judge in 2018, but was defeated by David Orr, who is running for re-election for Position 9.

Herbert and Davis answered questions from the Rogue Valley Times by email:

Christine Herbert

Herbert, a criminal defense attorney who has been practicing since 2000, described herself as a “driven, hard-working lawyer.” Her office is on Mistletoe Street in Medford.

Herbert clerked in Jackson County Circuit Court from 1998 to 2000 and served as a legal assistant from 1982 to 1998.

She said she wants to be a judge so she can “serve my community in another way.”

“I have been an advocate for people in this community for 24 years, helping them with a variety of legal issues,” Herbert said. “This experience has prepared me to understand issues and how they intertwine with people in different ways. I believe our bench and community need me.”

If elected, Herbert’s priorities include expanding access to justice for veterans and people who are disabled or without transportation, a matter she plans to address through conversations with the court, research and meetings.

Herbert said she is willing to preside “wherever the bench wants to put me.”

When she’s not hearing cases, Herbert wants to continue to be involved in the community.

Asked to contrast herself with Davis, Herbert cited her background and experience.

“I did not come from money or high status,” Herbert said. “I am running on my reputation.”

Before graduating from Rex Putnam High School in Milwaukie, Herbert said she overcame many “lifetime struggles,” including a “broken family” and foster care.

After high school, Herbert moved to San Diego, where she earned her associate and bachelor’s degrees from National University and a juris doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law — all while working full time and attending school at night.

Herbert also raised a child with special needs.

Joseph Davis 

Davis currently works for Davis & Pedrojetti on West Main Street.

Previous roles he has held include senior counsel for Lithia Motors and deputy district attorney in Multnomah County. He has also served as Jackson County judge pro tempore.

“This breadth of experience will allow me to capably handle the broad range of cases that come before a circuit court judge,” Davis said.

He said his professional experience distinguishes him from Herbert. 

Davis was inspired to run, he said, for judge because he has seen the difference that a judge can make in a community. His father, the late Ross Davis, served as a judge in Jackson County for nearly 30 years.

If elected, Davis’ priorities include addressing substance abuse and the mental health and homelessness crises.

He said judges should direct offenders with substance use disorders to supervised probation and mandated treatment. He wouldn’t rule out sanctions, including jail time, if offenders don’t remain in treatment.

Many offenders suffer from mental illness, he said, and the court can be used as a mechanism to encourage them to access appropriate resources and improve their mental health.

Davis said homelessness often contributes to misdemeanor offenses and violations that can impact community safety, and that judges have a responsibility to work with stakeholders to find solutions.

Davis graduated from North Medford High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Northwestern University and a juris doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Unopposed judicial candidates

Judge Benjamin Bloom, Position 7, and Judge Laura Cromwell, Position 4, are running unopposed on the May 21 ballot.

Judge Sara Collins, Position 8, and Judge Jeremy Markiewicz, Position 1, are running unopposed on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect which elections the unopposed judicial candidates are running in.

Ballots for the May 21 primary will be mailed to Southern Oregon voters May 3.