Justice Mary Yu, the first openly gay justice on the Washington Supreme Court, has announced her retirement and upcoming departure.
Yu was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court by former Governor Jay Inslee in 2014 to fill the seat previously held by Justice Johnson, who retired on April 30 of that year. She then ran unopposed in 2015 to complete the remainder of Johnson’s term.
In 2016, Yu was elected to her first full six-year term on the Court. In 2022, Yu won reelection.
Prior to the Washington Supreme Court, Yu spent 14 years as a superior court judge in King County. During this time, she presided over criminal, civil and family cases.
In 2012, Yu officiated the first same-sex marriage in Washington, three years before the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges.
Before being appointed to her first judgeship in 2000 by former Governor Gary Locke, Yu served as King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng’s deputy chief of staff.
Yu has served the state of Washington for over two and a half decades. From the prosecutor’s office, to superior court, to the Washington Supreme Court, Yu has truly made an impact, her colleagues said.
“Justice Yu has made a great impact on the legal community,” judicial assistant Christine Lawrence said. “Not only has she authored significant opinions, she has also mentored many young attorneys. She truly cares about the future of the legal profession. As her judicial assistant for the past six years, I can truly say working for her has been the highlight of my career.”
People who have had the opportunity to work with Yu have spoken fondly of their time serving with her.
“I have been privileged to work for Justice Yu for more than 11 years as her permanent law clerk at the Washington Supreme Court,” law clerk Joan Flaschen said. “It is truly inspiring to see Justice Yu’s compassion, dedication, and wisdom shine in every facet of her work. I have greatly benefitted from her example over the years in my personal and professional growth.”
Julissa Rachor, a law clerk for Justice Yu, spoke about Yu’s intellect, compassion and equity.
“I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work and learn from Justice Yu as both a student extern and law clerk at the Washington Supreme Court,” she said. “It was an extraordinary privilege to be a part of her chamber and learn from someone who leads not only with intellect but also with compassion and equity, always at the forefront.”
Yu’s retirement is effective Dec. 31. An election to fill Yu’s seat for the remainder of her term, which will run through the end of 2028, will be held during the 2026 general election.
