This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/rv/ for current information.
Riverside County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Michael J. Harrington

Candidate for
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Riverside; Office 18

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Positions and Experience

AVVO Rating 10/10 "Superb" (an independent attorney rating service)

Michael Harrington has a well rounded background after 21 years experience in the law. He began his court room experience as a criminal defense attorney and became an alternate public defender where he handled both criminal and juvenile court cases. He worked for various domestic violence clinics or shelters as a staff attorney.

In the Coachella Valley, he served as the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) attorney. Where he led the restructure of the legal aid office. He is one of the attorneys on the county wide mediation panel of the County Court system. He also serves when needed as Minor's Counsel Riverside County Courts.

Mr. Harrington is a member of the Riverside County Mental Health Board (Main Board serving all of Riverside County). He also has worked with various non - profits in the area of human trafficking prevention and awareness as well as with victim services.

Mr. Harrington started a free clinic in Coachella, dedicated to bring more legal aid to the Coachella , Mecca, Thermal region , largely migrant workers.

He advises on immigration law , as well, as offers his time to DACA clinics. He is available for speaking engagements on administration of justice issues (non-partisan) and youth group issues--such as Human Trafficking (labor or sex based); domestic violence awareness; and helping at risk youth. Mr. Harrington is committed to finding solutions to community needs.

Community Service

Riverside County Mental Health Board- Michael Harrington is a member of the Mental Health Board

Mental Health Boards are created by state law. They function as a citizen advisory and oversight board. The application process is a minimum of three (3) months. Appointments to the board are made by a county supervisor.

Homeless Outreach - helping youth (more than a campaign slogan)

Michael Harrington participates in weekly outings to homeless populations.

Michael Harrington is committed to public service. Not just campaign slogans. An example of a pro bono project-- helping transitional age youth known as TAY in social services, get off the street and into housing.

Pro Bono Legal Clinics - Michael Harrington started a legal out reach to rural areas

Legal Clinics started in areas such as Coachella where other legal aid groups don't reach. Trailblazing projects and changing the status quo. Recently, his pro bono clinic succeeded in creating safer housing in Indio, California after the neighborhood was unable to get help from local city and state government officials. He helped form the Requa Avenue Tenant Association, co-ordinated with non-profits, requested the city do its job and enforce the law, and within several months the sub-standard and crime ridden block became a safer and more inhabitable community.

Anti - Human Trafficking- Michael Harrington has served at victim shelters providing volunteer legal services and public presentations to community groups.

Human Trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the United States today. Michael Harrington is committed to crime prevention through community awareness and services to victims through pro bono legal services.

Domestic violence clinics - Michael Harrington has served at various clinics in Southern and Northern California.

Michael Harrington is committed to protecting victims of domestic violence. Easier access to the courts for victims and more available services to victims.

Next Page: Political Philosophy

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
June 2014 Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter


The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
Created from information supplied by the candidate: June 2, 2014 08:44
Smart Voter   <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://ca.lwv.org