Maybe some experience doing a similar job in the past? In my experience, skill at one job isn't considered a strong qualification for a job that requires different skills, even if they are in related fields. For example, as a database developer, I am not necessarily an appropriate candidate to administer that very same system.
Ok, I can except that, she hasn't been a judge. I would prefer it that way myself. She is a workaholic, she'll come up to speed very quickly, IMHO. Have you read any of her opinions?
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2005_10_02-2005_10_08.shtml