The Edmonds City Council is scheduled to vote next week to confirm appointment of Everett defense attorney Neil Weiss as the city’s new municipal court judge.
If confirmed May 28, Weiss will replace former Municipal Court Judge Whitney Rivera, who was appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court. He will serve out the remainder of Rivera’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2025, and would also have to run for election to the position.
City staff solicited applications for the open judicial position, and on May 5 oversaw the initial interview process of four candidates, with a panel comprised of representatives from judicial, law enforcement, public defense, prosecutor and the courts. Three of those four candidates were forwarded for an interview with Mayor Mike Rosen, who recommended appointing Weiss to the role, and all three applicants were interviewed by the council during a special meeting May 21. The council then held an executive session to discuss the candidates’ qualifications.
Weiss, who lives in Lynnwood, grew up in Bothell, Edmonds and Everett. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Washington State University and his Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law. He is now a partner of ABC Law Group, LLP in Everett, and is part of a team that manages and administers the law firm. In addition, he created the FIRST Legal Clinic, a free legal service for pregnant women and mothers of newborns at-risk of Child Protective Services removal.
Weiss has served as a pro tem judge in Edmonds Municipal Court as well as in Everett, Lynnwood, Monroe and county district courts. He also serves as a board member for Sound Pathways, which supports at-risk individuals facing alcohol and substance use disorders in Snohomish County.
During his interview with the council May 21, Weiss described himself as “hardworking” and “intellectually curious.” He said that his administrative experience would serve him well in managing the court, and he added that he has a good working relationship with existing Edmonds Municipal Court staff through his role as a pro tem judge.
I watched this on Zoom. I didn’t see all of the candidates, but I did see this fellow. I thought he would be my choice. He sure sounds like he is ready to hit the road running and has experience in the issues we have here in Edmonds. I think he will fit very nicely. He seemed really honest to me too I like that a lot. Good Luck Judge Neill Weiss.
Neil Weiss has moved mountains in the Family Law and DCYF Dependency arena. He is strong in his knowledge of and passion for the law and is justice minded for his community. Neil is a great addition to the bench!
This is so exciting on one hand yet bitter sweet on the other. I’ve been a colleague of Neil’s for a bit now. Most of my experiences have been with family law where I know he goes above and beyond to defend his clients.
Most recently, I’ve been impressed with his new role as a pro temp judge for Everett Municipal where I spend a majority of my time.
I know ABC law will go on without him…but I know, from personal experience, he will surely be missed.
Congratulations Neil! You deserve this thank you for continuing to serve our community so closely.
Neil Weiss is an absolute BLESSING to all of his clients!! An absolute pleasure to work with. His fierceness in court and when advocating for his clients leaves me in awe. What a HUGE gain for the Edmonds community I could not imagine a more fair and thoughtful man for the job. Congratulations Neil so happy for you, we will miss you!
As the Executive Director of Sound Pathways, it has been an honor to work side by side with Neil. Having his support and confidence in our agency has been a key component to the success of our programs.
Prior to Sound Pathways, I worked with Neil through DCYF. That was when I first saw him “in action”. True to his word, stands for what is right, upholds the value of people and gives people hope.
Congratulations on your new journey. I have and always will be one of your biggest supporters. Thank you for all you have done for the people we serve.
I have had the honor of working side by side with Neil Weiss since 2018. Neil always goes above and beyond for his clients. I can recall a time we sat outside an apartment building for 45 minutes holding on to “HOPE” that the parent would show up soon. That is just one example of how truly amazing Neil Weiss is. There are so many that mean so much to me. The one that means the most to me is our journey together with The FIRST Legal Clinic. It started as a conversation in 2018 and grew into a passion with purpose that began on July 1, 2019. We have been non-stop ever since.
I am sad for the parents that won’t get Neil’s fierce, dedicated, and compassionate legal representation while navigating the Child Welfare System. With all that being said. Thank you Edmonds Municipal Court for choosing the right person for your bench. You made the right decision choosing Neil Weiss. I know you will not be disappointed.
Congrats Neil Weiss! I am so proud of for following your heart.