Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
Outside the box.
Colleen Melody Sworn In as Washington State’s Newest Supreme Court Justice
Governor-appointed jurist takes the oath, succeeding retiring Justice Mary Yu and joining the state’s highest court
Colleen Melody was officially sworn in as the newest justice of the Washington State Supreme Court in a ceremony marking a transition on the bench.
Melody took the oath of office after being appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson to fill the seat vacated by Justice Mary Yu, who retired at the end of December.
Her appointment reflects continuing efforts to maintain judicial experience and diversity on the state’s highest appellate court as it addresses a broad docket of legal issues.
Melody, a Spokane native and graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, has a distinguished legal career that includes serving as division chief of the civil rights division in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, where she led significant litigation.
Her work in federal civil rights cases and leadership in the state’s legal community were among the factors cited by Governor Ferguson when announcing her appointment, which takes effect as she assumes full duties on the Supreme Court and will stand for election to complete the term in the upcoming general election.
The investiture brought together legal professionals, judicial colleagues and state officials to welcome Melody to the bench.
Her accession continues a legacy of experienced jurists shaping Washington’s legal landscape and comes at a moment when state courts are tackling complex questions in areas such as criminal law, civil liberties, and administrative law.
As a justice, Melody joins her peers in deliberating cases that have wide-ranging implications for public policy and the interpretation of Washington’s constitution.
Melody’s appointment underscores the state’s commitment to a judiciary capable of upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all residents.
She succeeds Justice Mary Yu, who served on the court from two thousand fourteen until her retirement and was noted for her contributions to the legal community and her role in landmark decisions.
Melody’s arrival signals a new chapter for the Washington Supreme Court as it continues to navigate emerging legal challenges facing the state.
Melody took the oath of office after being appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson to fill the seat vacated by Justice Mary Yu, who retired at the end of December.
Her appointment reflects continuing efforts to maintain judicial experience and diversity on the state’s highest appellate court as it addresses a broad docket of legal issues.
Melody, a Spokane native and graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, has a distinguished legal career that includes serving as division chief of the civil rights division in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, where she led significant litigation.
Her work in federal civil rights cases and leadership in the state’s legal community were among the factors cited by Governor Ferguson when announcing her appointment, which takes effect as she assumes full duties on the Supreme Court and will stand for election to complete the term in the upcoming general election.
The investiture brought together legal professionals, judicial colleagues and state officials to welcome Melody to the bench.
Her accession continues a legacy of experienced jurists shaping Washington’s legal landscape and comes at a moment when state courts are tackling complex questions in areas such as criminal law, civil liberties, and administrative law.
As a justice, Melody joins her peers in deliberating cases that have wide-ranging implications for public policy and the interpretation of Washington’s constitution.
Melody’s appointment underscores the state’s commitment to a judiciary capable of upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all residents.
She succeeds Justice Mary Yu, who served on the court from two thousand fourteen until her retirement and was noted for her contributions to the legal community and her role in landmark decisions.
Melody’s arrival signals a new chapter for the Washington Supreme Court as it continues to navigate emerging legal challenges facing the state.
