In December 2021, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Judge Ballinger to the position previously held by the late Judge David Steiner. The appointment followed a rigorous selection process in which four bar associations awarded her their highest rating of Exceptionally Well Qualified (King County Bar Association, Cardozo Society, Washington Women Lawyers—King County Chapter, Washington State Veterans Bar Association). Upon her appointment, Governor Inslee said, “Kristin brings an incredible breadth of experience. She has years of civil and criminal law experience, including substantial trial experience. She will be an outstanding addition to the King County bench.”