---
title: "Amber Austin | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/amber-austin-commissioner-pierce-county-superior-court-11369-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Amber Austin

Pierce County - Superior Court · Commissioner

## Profile

- Court: Pierce County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Commissioner
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.

Evidence excerpt: Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judge

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### limitations on recording

Scope: statewide

If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.

Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11369&orgid=558)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11369&orgid=558)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11369&orgid=558)
- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Pierce County, Washington Superior Court Commissioner, appointed in February 2024, who previously held a position as a family law attorney for over a decade.
- Ran her own private practice for over a decade, also offering mediation and collaborative law services. held the role of a Title 26 Guardian ad Litem, Title 11 Court Visitor, and Pro Tem Court Commissioner

### Education

- BA in Communication, Western Washington University Paralegal Studies, Tacoma Community College Juris Doctor (JD), Florida Coastal School of Law, 2006

### Additional information

- Appointed in February 2024 to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Craig Adams, with her official swearing-in on January 22, 2024.
- Legal Career: Began practicing law in 2007, specializing in family law — divorce, child support, custody, paternity, and domestic violence matters.
- Certified Family Mediator through Pierce County Center for Dialogue and Resolution.
- One of the ten full-time Superior Court Commissioners in Pierce County, WA, presiding over matters in divisions such as Civil, Juvenile, Civil Mental Health, Adoptions, and Criminal.
- Community Involvement: Co-President, Pierce County chapter, Washington Women Lawyers Board member for Pierce County Lawyers Helping Hungry Children, Tacoma Community College Paralegal Advisory Committee, and Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
