news-record.com

Sue Burch was 33 and only five years out of Wake Forest law school when she was elected as a Guilford County District Court judge in 2000.

Tabatha Holliday, 38, completed law school at N.C. Central only six years ago. She's running against Burch now.

Five or six years isn't much time in legal practice to prepare a lawyer for the bench. The difference between Burch and Holliday today, however, is Burch's judicial training and on-the-job experience. Now 41, she's worked hard to become one of Guilford County's most skilled and knowledgeable judges.

Burch wins high praise from some observers, who say she's a leader in drug court and mental-health court; on the "cutting edge" in domestic court; handling the "lion's share" of complex equitable distribution cases; willing to help other judges with their caseloads; "never bamboozled by a lawyer." She even learned to speak Spanish to facilitate communications in increasingly multicultural courtrooms.

Burch is regarded as fair, not playing politics on the bench, but tough. "Sue'll drop the hammer now and then," an observer said.

Holliday is an assistant district attorney who's nevertheless well-liked by defense lawyers. The latest campaign finance reports show she has raised more money than Burch, $23,000 to $4,000, much of it from local attorneys. Holliday came up through the court system, having been an assistant clerk before earning a degree in accounting from UNCG and going on to study law. She's smart and personable.

Twelve of Guilford County's 14 District Court judicial seats are up for election this year, but only five are contested. Burch adds greatly to the local bench strength. Holliday might be able to match her expertise someday but certainly not for many years. It's better to keep Burch, who's already an effective judge.