Leila Mills was first elected a Kitsap County Superior Court Judge in 2000, and has handled some of the most complex cases seen in Superior Court.

As her colleagues say, she does not shy away from making difficult decisions. She received the Nevins Award from the Washington Judges’ Foundation for her outstanding contribution to youth education and public understanding of the law. She was also honored with the Humanitarian Award by the Kitsap County Bar Association.

Leila is dedicated to her community. She is a volunteer board member for Hospice of Kitsap County. She has hosted a volunteer weekly radio program broadcast statewide by the Evergreen Radio Reading Service for the Blind. She taught law to high school students and mentored students in the YMCA Mock Trial program. She volunteers with Washington Youth Academy which empower at-risk youth to improve their education and employment potential. She is involved in the education of other judges and has served as teaching faculty for the Washington Judicial College.

Nominated by Judge Kevin Hull, he said Leila is “outstanding inner work on the bench and her service to the community off the bench.”

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Sound Publishing’s Special Section, “Women of Achievement.”