About Judge Rands

Judge Jonathan Rands was elected to the Whatcom County District Court in 2022 and has since served the community with a commitment to fairness, integrity, and equal access to justice. Over the past 4 years on the bench, he has worked to ensure that every person who enters his courtroom is treated with dignity and respect, while applying the law thoughtfully and consistently.

Before becoming a judge, he  spent more than 20 years as a trial attorney and small business owner, representing clients across Whatcom, Island, Skagit, San Juan, and Snohomish Counties. He tried over two hundred cases to verdict and earned a reputation as a knowledgeable, prepared, and effective advocate. His deep understanding of courtroom practice and legal procedure led local judges to regularly appoint him as a Judge Pro Tem prior to taking the bench.

Judge Rand’s  experience as both an attorney and now a judge gives him a unique perspective on the justice system. Where he once served clients one at a time, he now serves more than one hundred people each day in District Court—handling matters that have real and immediate impacts on individuals, families, and the broader community.

During his time on the bench, Judge Rands has  focused on improving the accessibility and effectiveness of the court. He has worked to modernize local court rules, expand remote access to court proceedings, and strengthen pathways to justice for those navigating the legal system.

Judge Rands  is an invited faculty member at Judicial College, where he helps train judges from across Washington State. He is also the founder of the court’s first Youth Court, reflecting his commitment to early intervention, education, and community engagement. He regularly speaks to local students about civics, the role of the courts, and the responsibilities of citizenship—work he considers one of the most meaningful aspects of public service.

He earned his Juris Doctor from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Simon Fraser University.

Beyond the courtroom, Jonathan and his wife, Janise, have built their life in Whatcom County, raising their family while running a successful small business and supporting numerous local nonprofit organizations. Their community involvement includes support for groups such as the Whatcom Humane Society, Brigid Collins Family Support Center, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, the Lions Club, Wild Birds Charity, and the Food Bank gleaning program.

A native of Canada, Jonathan became a proud United States citizen in 2015. When he is not in the courtroom, you might find him on a local trail, snowboarding at Mt. Baker, cheering on his favorite hockey team, or tending to his beehives.