Legal/judicial experience

Supreme Court Justice. Colleen Melody works every day to uphold the rule of law, improve access to justice, and protect the rights of Washingtonians.

Professional experience

Colleen was a career civil rights lawyer and public servant. She taught at the University of Washington and brought pro bono cases on behalf of immigrants and veterans. She worked at a pizza shop in high school and waited tables through college.

Education

UW for college and law school, both with high honors.

In the candidate's own words, from the Washington State Voters' Pamphlet, 2026 General Election, Edition 04 (King County: Seattle), p. 55. Statements aren't fact-checked by the elections office or by us.

Legal/judicial experience

Ballard Spahr/Lane Powell (2010-present) (Practice Chair 2010-2024) (Board 2017-2019, 2023-24); Perkins Coie (1999-2010); Bogle & Gates (1996-1999). Significant experience before Washington courts on constitutional and other complex issues; Ranked as among the top in my field: Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Chambers.

Professional experience

Adjunct Professor, University of Washington School of Law (2002-present); Washington State Bar Association; American Bar Association; Council on State Taxation.

Education

University of Washington School of Law (with Honors) 1991; Princeton University (magna cum laude) 1988, Economics - Paul Volcker Award recipient.

In the candidate's own words, from the Washington State Voters' Pamphlet, 2026 General Election, Edition 04 (King County: Seattle), p. 55. Statements aren't fact-checked by the elections office or by us.