Colleen Melody has officially been sworn in as the newest justice of the Washington State Supreme Court, taking the place of retired Justice Mary Yu. The ceremony took place on January 1, 2024, at the Temple of Justice in Olympia, marking an important milestone as Melody becomes the 100th justice in the court’s history. Her appointment was made by Governor Bob Ferguson in November.
During the ceremony, Melody expressed her commitment to serve with integrity and humility. “I raise my hand to serve in this role because I believe so strongly in all moments, but maybe particularly in this moment, Washingtonians deserve judges who will serve with integrity and humility and a deep respect for Washington’s independent role as a sovereign state,” she stated. She pledged to listen, work hard, and treat everyone with fairness and respect, emphasizing her dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Melody’s term is set to be contested in an election later this year, where she will seek to complete Justice Yu’s term through the end of 2028. Prior to her appointment, she served in the Washington State Attorney General’s office under Governor Ferguson, where she led the civil rights division for the past decade.
Career Highlights and Legal Challenges
Throughout her career, Melody has been involved in significant legal challenges, including leading the state’s response to former President Donald Trump’s travel ban affecting seven predominantly Muslim countries in 2017. She was also present at the U.S. Supreme Court to observe arguments regarding Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. Attorney General Nick Brown praised her dedication and competence, referring to her as “the brightest, hardest working, most caring” individual, adding, “If you think you are smart, Colleen is smarter.”
Melody graduated from the University of Washington School of Law and began her professional journey as a clerk for U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ronald Gould. Her previous experience includes a role in the civil rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Despite her extensive legal background, she has no prior experience as a judge.
She currently resides on Vashon Island with her husband Zach and their two young daughters. At the time of her swearing-in, Melody humorously noted that she had been wearing a robe belonging to Justice Yu, which still bore the retired justice’s initials.
Future Court Decisions and Vacancies
The Washington State Supreme Court is poised to hear arguments regarding Initiative 2066, a recent ballot measure aimed at halting the state’s transition away from natural gas. This initiative reflects ongoing debates about energy policy and environmental sustainability in the region.
Looking ahead, another vacancy on the Supreme Court is anticipated as Justice Charles Johnson will reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 in March. With Melody now in place, the court will continue to shape pivotal legal decisions that affect the lives of Washington residents.
As she embarks on her new role, Melody’s commitment to justice and her extensive background in civil rights will undoubtedly influence the court’s future direction.
