Anita Neal at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Judge
- Court
- Tribal Courts - Quileute Tribal Court (NICS)
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Anita Neal
Chief Judge · Tribal Courts - Quileute Tribal Court (NICS)
Biography
Professional career
- Pro tem judge for the Intertribal Court of Southern California and other Northwest Intertribal Court System members
- Judge Anita E. Neal is a seasoned tribal court judge and Chief Judge for multiple Native American tribal courts, with over 19 years of judicial service and a long-standing legal career in the Pacific Northwest
Education
- Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law — J.D. (1986)
- in English/secondary education — University of Arizona — B.A. (1981)
Additional information
- Practicing attorney since 1987
- Admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1987
- focusing on tribal and federal Indian law, Indian Child Welfare, domestic relations, estates, probate, employment, and civil matters.
- Family Court Judge for the Squaxin Island Tribe
- Provides mediation and arbitration services for tribes, tribal organizations, and individuals.
- Extensive training from the National Judicial College and other judicial bodies.
- Recognized for her cultural sensitivity, respect for each tribe’s unique laws, and advocacy for alternative dispute resolution.
- She has contributed to tribal justice systems in both California and the Pacific Northwest, balancing legal expertise with community-focused approaches.
- Born and raised in Arizona; descendant of Indigenous peoples of Mexico
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
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.
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 judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Tribal Courts - Quileute Tribal Court (NICS)
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗