Colleen Melody has officially been sworn in as the newest justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. During a ceremony held at the Temple of Justice in Olympia on March 6, 2024, she took the oath of office, becoming the 100th justice in the court’s history. Melody succeeds Mary Yu, who retired after serving on the court since her appointment in 2014.
Governor Bob Ferguson, who appointed Melody in November 2023, highlighted the significance of her role. “The decisions of this court influence virtually every facet of our lives down to the most personal choices and the most consequential rights,” he stated during the ceremony. Melody, who previously led the civil rights division at the Washington Attorney General’s office, will serve the remainder of Yu’s term, which extends through the end of 2028. She will be up for election later this year.
In her remarks, Melody expressed her commitment to the role, stating, “I promise to listen and to work hard. I promise to treat everyone who comes before this court with fairness and respect.” She emphasized her dedication to following the rule of law and upholding the values that make Washington a desirable place to live.
Prior to her appointment, Melody worked under Ferguson at the attorney general’s office, where she made significant contributions, including leading the state’s challenge to former President Donald Trump’s first travel ban in 2017. She also attended the U.S. Supreme Court last year to observe arguments regarding Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. Nick Brown, current Attorney General, praised Melody’s meticulous preparation and genuine care for achieving just outcomes, stating, “If you think you care about getting the right outcome, no one will care more than Justice Colleen Melody.”
Melody hails from Spokane and is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law. She began her legal career clerking for Ronald Gould, a judge on the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and also worked in the civil rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Although she has no prior judicial experience, Melody has effectively argued before the state Supreme Court.
Originally, she has been on the bench since January 1, 2024, but wore a robe belonging to Yu, with the retired justice’s initials stitched in cursive, until her official swearing-in. She resides on Vashon Island with her husband, Zach, and their two daughters.
The court is scheduled to address arguments related to Initiative 2066, a successful ballot measure aimed at halting the state’s transition away from natural gas. Another vacancy on the court is anticipated this year, as Charles Johnson, who has served since 1991, will turn 75 in March, prompting his mandatory retirement. Melody, who is currently 43, may have a long tenure ahead on the court, shaping the legal landscape of Washington for years to come.
