The District of Columbia Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure announced that it has issued its Evaluation Reports on the Reappointments of the Honorable Milton C. Lee, Jr. and Honorable Todd E. Edelman to President Donald J. Trump.
The Commission received Chief Judge Lee’s and Judge Edelman’s respective declarations of candidacy for reappointment as Associate Judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in the fall of 2024. Thereafter, the Commission initiated a thorough fitness review and evaluation of Chief Judge Lee’s and Judge Edelman’s judicial performance and qualifications, which included input from the public, the Bar and the bench.
The Commission has determined by unanimous vote that Chief Judge Lee is well qualified for reappointment to an additional 15-year term as an Associate Judge. The Commission has determined by a majority vote that Judge Edelman is well qualified for reappointment to an additional 15-year term as an Associate Judge; Commissioner Thomas Fitton wrote a dissenting opinion and voted unqualified. The Commission’s reports reflect its extensive evaluation and analysis for both judges.
Therefore, and in accordance with the Commission’s statute, Chief Judge Lee’s and Judge Edelman’s judicial terms will automatically renew upon the expiration of their current terms on June 23, 2025.
The Commission’s complete Evaluations Reports are available on the Commission’s website:
- Hon. Milton C. Lee, Jr., Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia
- Hon. Todd E. Edelman, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia
The Commission commends Chief Judge Lee and Judge Edelman for their exemplary judicial performance and commitment to the Court, their colleagues and the community. The Commission further extends its appreciation to all members of the public who participated in this process.
The Commission is an independent body created by Congress in 1970 to provide oversight of the District of Columbia Courts. Among its responsibilities is to conduct fitness reviews of DC Court judges who seek reappointment upon expiration of their terms. The Commission is made up of seven volunteer Commissioners who are duly appointed in accordance with the Commission’s statute.
The members of the Commission are:
Amy L. Bess, Esq., Chairperson
Hon. Diane M. Brenneman, Ret., Vice Chairperson
Thomas Fitton
Dr. Patrick G. Jackson
Hon. Colleen Kollar-Kotelly
William P. Lightfoot, Esq.
Nikki Sertsu
Up to date information on ongoing judicial fitness reviews can be found on the Commission’s website at https://cjdt.dc.gov/page/evaluate-candidates.
For more information, please contact the Commission’s office at [email protected], or you may visit the Commission’s website at | cjdt (dc.gov).
