Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is a department of the Washington State Supreme Court, established by state statute in 1957. Its mission is to advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington State judicial system, ensuring that courts provide an independent, accessible, and responsible forum for the just resolution of disputes.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington State judicial system.

• Vision: To provide an independent, accessible, and responsible forum for the just resolution of disputes.

Primary Area of Focus

The AOC supports Washington's judicial branch by providing a wide range of services, including:

• Developing operational budgets.

• Evaluating judicial system functionality.

• Maintaining the Judicial Information System (JIS), the computer network that serves the entire court system.

• Providing continuing education for judges.

• Compiling statewide court statistics annually.

• Maintaining a statewide electronic court record database.

• Providing information to the judicial community, other branches of government, and the general public.

Industry Significance

As the central administrative body for Washington's judicial system, the AOC plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of courts, thereby upholding the rule of law and access to justice within the state.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations.

• Support judicial education and professional development.

• Maintain and improve court technology infrastructure.

• Ensure transparency and accessibility of court information.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Court administration and management.

• Judicial education and training programs.

• Information technology solutions for court systems.

• Data collection and analysis for judicial performance.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Judicial Information System (JIS): A comprehensive computer network serving the entire court system.

• Odyssey Case Management System: A case management system implemented in district and municipal courts and their probation offices.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Statewide court systems, including Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, superior courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction.

• Judicial officers and court staff requiring ongoing education and training.

• Court users seeking access to information and services.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

The AOC operates under the direction of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and is funded through various state accounts, including the General Fund-State, Judicial Stabilization Trust Account, Opioid Abatement Settlement Account, and Judicial Information Systems Account.

Total Funds Raised

For the 2025–2027 biennium, the AOC's budget is approximately $337.9 million, with $168.9 million allocated for fiscal year 2026 and $169.1 million for fiscal year 2027.

Notable Investors

As a state agency, the AOC's funding is provided by the Washington State Legislature through appropriations from the state budget.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The allocated funds are utilized for:

• Operational expenses of the AOC.

• Support for court operations and services.

• Implementation and maintenance of court technology systems.

• Educational programs for judicial officers and court staff.

Pipeline Development

As a governmental agency, the AOC does not have a product pipeline in the traditional sense. However, it focuses on the continuous development and enhancement of court systems and services, including:

• Expansion of the Odyssey Case Management System to additional courts.

• Development of educational programs for judicial officers.

• Implementation of initiatives to improve access to justice.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Judicial Information System (JIS): A proprietary network serving the entire court system.

• Odyssey Case Management System: A case management system implemented in district and municipal courts and their probation offices.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data analysis and reporting for judicial performance and case management.

• Development and delivery of educational content for judicial officers.

Leadership Team

State Court Administrator

• Dawn Marie Rubio: Appointed by the Supreme Court, Dawn Marie Rubio serves as the State Court Administrator, acting as a liaison between the judicial, executive, and legislative branches, justice partners, and other state agencies.

Executive Team

• Caroline Tawes: Executive Assistant to the State Court Administrator.

• Jane VanCamp: Associate Director of Human Resources.

• Brittany D. Gregory: Associate Director of Judicial & Legislative Relations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

As a state agency, the AOC does not have direct competitors in the traditional sense. However, it collaborates with various organizations and entities to enhance the judicial system, including:

• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA): Oversees the licensing and regulation of legal professionals in Washington.

• Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators (AWSCA): Supports superior court administrators through education and training.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association (DMCJA): Collaborates with the AOC to provide education and support to courts of limited jurisdiction.

Operational Insights

The AOC's strategic focus on enhancing court operations, judicial education, and technology infrastructure positions it as a central entity in Washington's judicial system, ensuring effective and efficient court services statewide.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Expansion of Case Management Systems: Implementing the Odyssey Case Management System in additional courts to streamline operations.

• Judicial Education Programs: Developing and delivering comprehensive educational programs for judicial officers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Access to Justice Initiatives: Implementing programs and services to improve access to justice for all citizens.

Future Business Directions

The AOC continues to focus on modernizing court systems, enhancing judicial education, and improving access to justice, aligning with its mission to support the efficient and effective operation of Washington's judicial system.