"The Robing Room: WA State Judges

Hon. Leonid Ponomarchuk	See Rating Details
Commissioner Superior Court
King County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 6.2 - 18 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 3.0 - 14 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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Only items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating.

General Rating Criteria

* Temperament		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness		(1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality		(1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Leonid Ponomarchuk

Comments

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA2372
Rating:9.7

Comments:
Before retiring, I appeared in front of this Judge many times. He was always fair and impartial, reviewed the facts, ignored the mudslinging, understood the complexities of income, assets, debt and other issues inherent in family law, and gave informed, educated rulings that made legal sense. His rulings on contested parenting matters, in particular, were intended to preserve family unity and not reward petty, revenge seeking spouses. That accomplishment, over decades of cases, will never be appreciated. He'll be deeply missed by family law practitioners.

Other

Comment #: WA2248
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is destroyed 10 years of my hard earned money. I was married to a woman whom i later realized was gold-digger and filed for divorce in just 1 year.
She claimed for all 10 years of my earnings to be divided. No sane judge would agree to that, and this judge was happy to give away all my hard earned money, and brought me to street.

I dont believe in god or karma. But , i still believe your unfairness and your sadistic heart will certainly be punished by your own legal system

Other

Comment #: WA2200
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am so glad that he stepped down in January 2023, GOD BLESS! Ponomarchuk, you are so well hated by many people whom homes are destroyed by your blackened heart. GOD is watching over you, watching every evil you have performed. I will pray everyday, for your retribution, and I will pray loudly in my heart until the day you will receive your ending from GOD. 2023 is a year where all suffering under your hand will come to an end finally. Thanks GOD for that!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA2185
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Ive appeared in front of Commissioner Ponamarchuk many times. He's always well prepared and his rulings have always been fair predicable, impartial, and based on law. He's very experienced, so able to correctly interpret complicated facts to their essence without being misled. I'm sorry to hear he's retiring.

Other

Comment #: WA2024
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Exceptional. I am in his court room regularly during hearings and have always been impressed.

Litigant

Comment #: WA1735
Rating:10.0

Comments:
A deadbeat dad's worst enemy, hence the plethora of negative ratings and cookie cutter reviews by incels and "meninist/mens' rights activists," the majority of whom have likely never faced him but have forum buddies who have.

If you've skipped out on months or years of payments, are willfully unemployed, fabricate any detail or refuse to comply in any fashion, do not expect any quarter with Ponomarchuk.

He will give you no chances; he will only point out the opportunities that were offered to you when you "couldn't" pay that you chose not to take.

Your pay will be garnished. You will have warrants. You will go to jail.

He's not here to be your friend. He's here to hold you accountable to the court order you signed off on in the first place.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1722
Rating:9.8

Comments:
One of the most consistent commissioners. Always thoughtful. His decisions reflect his experience and wisdom.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1689
Rating:1.9

Comments:
Does not know his law...as well as dismissive, rigid, and ignorant.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1662
Rating:9.7

Comments:
Commr. Ponomarchuk does not suffer fools lightly.

He expects attorneys appearing before him to be prepared, to know the law, and not waste the Court's time.

If you want to get 'dressed down,' show up unfamiliar with the facts of your client's case, argue an unreasonable position, ask for something not supported by law, or wander off-topic to dwell on irrelevant issues or facts.

He sets the standard of expected representation and preparedness of attorneys that every client wants: for their attorney to be at the top of their game if Commr. Ponomarchuk is on the Bench for their day in court.

Perhaps a diamond in the rough at times, but he's truly one of the best jurists in King County.

Litigant

Comment #: WA1633
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He helped to keep my son from having a relationship with me for the 1st 4 1/2 years of his life based on the lies and false accusations of his mother and her sister. He didn't care about truth or justice just wanted to deny me the right to be a father. He is a piece of garbage and deserves all the negative karma that comes his way.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1580
Rating:2.0

Comments:
A hack, careless in his statements and scholarship. Heaven help you if your attorney is not prepared to push back hard on errors and pursue revisions. Hard to envision what changed hands to justify his appointment or retention after his record is examined.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1538
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Whenever one walks into the courtroom to see this Commissioner, there is a sense of relief. This Commissioner is always prepared and rules based on the law. I disagree with the comments about demeanor. He is never rude or condescending. He is focused on keeping to the issues and does not allow inappropriate distractions to get in the way. I am always confident when walking in the courtroom that the law will be followed.

I wish there was a higher rating for complex litigation. The calendars on which he sits are extremely complex and high volume. Commissioner Ponomarchuk is always prepared, both in terms of reading the materials and knowing the law. I've been in front of him dozens of times and am consistently impressed by his scholarly approach. He raises the quality of the bench by example.

Other

Comment #: WA1526
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Excellent in cutting through the arguements and getting to the heart of the matter. Also, expects attorneys on both sides to remain professional and stay on point while representing clients.
Refreshing!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1273
Rating:9.0

Comments:
Surprised to see the low average for this Commissioner. Whether or not the ruling is favorable to your client, you receive a ruling based solidly on statute, precedent, and his thorough review of the pleadings. Has always been courteous.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA1255
Rating:5.3

Comments:
Can be hard for pro se to obtain justice because he'll just talk to the other parties' attorney during the proceeding without explaining the conversation to the pro se. It shaves a bit of due process away because it makes the court biased in favor the represented party. A waft of old boys club can be detected in his courtroom.

Other

Comment #: WA1068
Rating:1.0

Comments:
is not willing to hear from both sides. Makes decisions without hearing all facts.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WA980
Rating:9.8

Comments:
This commissioner has been the best that King County has. He is consistently well prepared, knows the law forwards and backwards, and shows virtually no bias towards either men or women. I may disagree with him at times, but he explains the difficult decisions, and he is consistently well versed in the law so that I really can't argue that he has made a mistake. In judgment calls, he clearly tries very hard to make a reasonable judgment, supported by the law. He is head and shoulders above most of the other commissioners. He is simply not afraid to make hard decisions, and I tell my clients if they don't like the results, they need to think about what he said, and why, because it is a very concise summary of what the statutes and case law require him to do.

The times I have seen him get a bit upset in court are when one of the litigants is asking for some absolutely ridiculous outcome, and he is not afraid to tell them they are wrong, and why. He doesn't suffer fools, but he still makes a fair decision, even when everyone in the courtroom can see someone is trying to play fast and loose with the truth. I'm afraid I'd have less reserve in those situations, he sees some sleazy attorneys, yet he still remains civil, and gives a ruling based on the facts. As for him being incompetent, I differ in my opinion. He is the best commissioner, and would be an excellent addition to the bench as a judge. Based on the new judges we've seen, he is a fount of knowledge, and applies the law correctly and fairly.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WA956
Rating:8.4

Comments:
I have never been in front of this judge but I have seen him in action. You either like him or you don't. When he was an atty for my husband, he was beyond great. He is stern but very fair and he is a good, good person. He is one who should STAY on the bench. He is confident and he may be a little bored, but look at the cases he has to hear. He is worth the while to have on the bench. We need more of him as he is fair. He is not affraid to do the right thing and that is what makes him different than that of the other judges who are in someone pocket or maybe someone's bed. This judge is not that way. He has honor.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA907
Rating:9.0

Comments:
You can tell how good a family law judge or commissioner is by how much the "meninists" rant against him or her. Google his name and you'll see he must be excellent. I'm a family law attorney who has appeared in Ponomarchuk's court many times over the past six or so years. He's ruled in my favor as much as he's ruled against me, I'd say, and I really like him. I think he should be appointed (or elected) as a superior court judge. He's obviously very intelligent and knows the law, and makes reasoned, considered decisions. He can be cranky and a bit condescending (thus, I gave him a 5 for temperament), but I probably would be too in his position. For all of you who say he seems like being on the bench is a "chore" or he's "bored," well, it is his job, and he's heard the same people saying the same stuff for 20 years. I'd probably look bored sometimes too. Being a commissioner is basically all of the BS of being a judge but none of the glory. It's a wonder he doesn't give it up and go back into private practice. He could make a pretty penny working for a cush mediation firm.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WA709
Rating:1.0

Comments:
From what I read and saw, Cmm Pornomachuk isn't a good jurist, unfair, lazy, and abusive. I had the misfortune of being in front of him. Sounds like his own sad personal history prevents him from being a good judge of character and provide protection to those who come to him for it. Many judges are arrogant and corrupted. It's unfortunate that "Absolute power corrupts absolutely".

Other

Comment #: WA704
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He is childish, petulant, unprepared and capricious, but seems to have a high opinion of himself.

Litigant

Comment #: WA692
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I found Judge Ponomarchuck to be fair, to have reviewed our court files thoroughly, and to be reasonable and fair in his rulings. While I found him intimidating at times, I was relieved that he wasn't directing it at me, and it did seem warranted in the situation. I think that he paid attention to the history in the case, to what was said in court, and to the demeanor of both parties, and both attorneys.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WA626
Rating:1.3

Comments:
Judge Ponomarchuk should not be, and never should have been, a judge. He is totally incompetent.

Litigant

Comment #: WA442
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
No way he's even-handed. He, like many (if not most) judges, cares more about his seat and its advancement than the people before him.

The judicial system needs an overhaul, bad! We need better, more caring judges: care about the truth, ethics, and the people before them. As a community, we all affect each other's lives. Ponomarchuk and indifference judges send innocent people out of court with criminal intent budding. If judges set bad example by being unfair, criminals are just being unfair back to society with new crimes, and the circle continues. The cost will come back to the very people who controls the scale of justice (6 degrees of separation). Unfair judges help CREATE crimes in society and hurt us all.

Litigant

Comment #: WA379
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Similar to some of the comments below, my experience with Comm. Ponomarchuk has been underwhelming. He does not judge based on the evidence. It doesn't seem like he even read the submitted materials, and just gloss over the language of the parties, who represents them, and make his ruling. Comments about him being arrogant, rude, short-sighted, lazy seem to have basis in facts. He does not rely on his own judgement but other judicial officers' past decisions' to form his basis. He does seem bored of the "game" as a commenter stated below, yet failed to assert himself in a positive manner to improve lives. He had given up on the fight for justice, he no long champion justice, and therefore should just withdraw himself from the bench. I'm sure he's only doing it for the steady *yawn* paycheck. "Loser" sounds about right.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA258
Rating:9.9

Comments:
Commissioner Ponomarchuk is a very good judge who is not afraid to make decisions-- which when made are well thought out

Other

Comment #: WA253
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Ponomarchuk is dangerous. He either does NOT prepare for cases or is driven solely by ideology. His decisions are based on the seriousness and type of allegation rather than the facts presented. I know this to be true based on firsthand experience. Did he have my son’s best interest in mind when he permanently separated my child from his loving father, an upstanding military officer? Of course not. Did he have a shred of evidence against me? No. Did he have evidence that my son’s mother was a horrible mother? Yes, as evidenced by a court-ordered PhD analysis. Nay, despite ALL actual evidence to the contrary, he “adjudicated” the legalized kidnapping of my son. What explains his purposeful and unjust destruction of a family? What I witnessed is that he relied not on evidence or analysis but on the gamesmanship of the lawyers playing out in front of him. He allowed lawyers to lie in the face of evidence. He appeared bored of the “game.” Is this incompetence? Laziness? Arrogance? Looked like all three, to me. Regardless, he did NOT demonstrate the ability to fairly administering the law. From my perspective, he is in violation of his oath and the law, and is not accountable to either. I’d have him arrested if I could. He epitomizes everything people hate about lawyers. How does someone get such a dangerous man removed from the bench??

Other

Comment #: WA241
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Just watch HLN to find out about this case and his unbelievable decision regarding the Conlon/Cushing parenting plan.

Other

Comment #: WA240
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am watching Jane Valez-Mitchell regarding his STUPID STUPID decision regarding the Conlon/Cushing matter, where he has ordered the minor children into the custody of their father and MURDEROUS STEP-MOTHER!!! The Casey Anthony fiasco showed just how much this country takes seriously the welare of minor children - even when the courts (or juries) do not!...this story is only going to grow, with the media coverage, as well as the fact that I have posted a link regarding this idiot's stupid decision on my FACEBOOK PAGE, along with the contact information for HIM and for the Court AS THIS JURISDICTION HAS PUBLICLY DISPLAYED IN YOUR OWN ONLINE DIRECTORY!!...I hope this man is inundated with mail and postings against this GOD-AWFUL decision, to the point that if his prideful arrogance will not allow him to change his ruling, at least peer pressure from his colleagues will!...if that does not work - perhaps the efforts of Nancy Grace and JVM will!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WA239
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I so hope you can be tried as an accessory to murder if and when Mrs. Cushing murders again. If you are are best and brightest we should all be scared. What a loser.

Court Staff

Comment #: WA215
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
LEO had "breast reduction" surgery a little while back. It didn't work out too good for him so he's always angry. It's ironic that he is so verbally abusive from the bench and he hands out restraining orders like water against guys who are less abusive. He once ruled in a case that affected his own girlfriend (abuse of power, conflict of interest). He's the biggest hypocrite in there....the other corrupt ones (Jeske, Sassaman, are blind by their own hatred for men.) Fat boy Leo is without excuse.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WA209
Rating:1.3

Comments:
I was a male petitioner for a DVPO after an assault my ex committed, had third party witness declarations, Police report recommending Assault 4 DV charges against her. Les stated "this is a parenting plan issue not Domestic Violence, DV has to be a pattern of events, this was just one instance" If you are a woman he's your Judge, if you are a man say goodby to your kids" Equal protection under the law, not with this guy.

Other

Comment #: WA159
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Very snippy, boosted his 15 years experience and acted like he was God. Seemed like it was a chore for him to be on the bench. Not impressed at all.