Published: Monday, August 10, 2009
Ellen Fair, Snohomish County Superior Court judge
By Theresa Goffredo, Herald Writer
This is part of a series of stories about aptly named people. Click here for more aptonyms.
Q: How did your name direct your career path?
A: Well, it probably didnt that much. I married into the name in 1991 and at that time, I was already a prosecutor, and I thought it was quite suitable. Somewhere around that time it was suggested to me to run for judge, and Im sure someone mentioned and youve got the perfect name. When I ran, I had recently been involved in a high profile arson case, so the name and the face were hopefully in the public conscious in a positive way, and it didnt make coming up with campaign slogans very difficult.
Q: Would you change your name if you could, and why or why not?
A: No. No. I like my name. I wouldnt trade that for anything.
Q: If you could choose another career what would it be?
A: I wouldnt. I may be one of those rare lawyers who has thoroughly enjoyed my career from start to finish. When I was in the prosecutors office, there were days where Id go home and ask, They are actually paying me to do this? Since becoming a judge ... its been interesting and challenging. Not to say there arent days that are difficult or heartbreaking. But you are always learning. I wouldnt change that, name or otherwise.
Q: How do you know when someone has picked up on the fact that your name is an aptonym?
A: People comment on it regularly. Its the civil litigants that comment more often than the defendants who have been cautioned by their counsel to be more circumspect in their comments. I typically smile and sometimes I say that about half of the people who visit my courtroom might agree that it is an appropriate name and the other half wouldnt agree. That usually gets a laugh.
Q: How do people react to the combination of your name and job? Do they get it? Any funny stories as a result?
A: Certainly Ive had people who were unhappy with my rulings and will specifically say Now that was not an appropriate name for you at all! or others might say, We came in and noticed your name and by golly, it really is an appropriate name.
When I was campaigning for judge, my husband was out door-belling, and we came upon a residence and they got very excited because one of the residents inside had taken one of my campaign signs and put it up in her room for a decoration. So name recognition is a good thing.
And now I have to mention that its my husband who really has full claim to the name, and hes a judge too, Edmonds Municipal Court Judge Douglas Fair. So together, we are the Judges Fair.
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