Doris Walkins at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Doris Walkins
Judge · Pierce County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Doris M. Walkins is the Pierce County Superior Court Judge for Department 17, appointed by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on February 25, 2026, to succeed the late Judge Karena Kirkendoll
- Previously a Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner (2022–2026) and Pro Tem Commissioner (2021–2022)
- Judge Walkins has emphasized her commitment to ensuring “meaningful access to justice” and treating litigants “fairly, respectfully, and within the bounds of the law”
Education
- Seattle University School of Law — J.D. (2006)
- & Sciences, University of Washington, Tacoma — B.A. (2002)
Additional information
- Her public swearing‐in took place March 5, 2026, at the Pierce County City Building in Tacoma.
- She has been recognized with the 2025 Tacoma–Pierce County Bar Association Community Service Award for Outstanding Jurist.
- She also held the role of a Title 26 Guardian ad Litem (2008–2021) and was a domestic violence survivor’s advocate at the YWCA Tacoma–Pierce County (2000–2005).
- Licensed in Washington, Puyallup Tribal Bar Association, and U.S. District Court, Western District (2009)
- Passed the Washington State Bar Exam in Summer 2006
- Appointed to the judgeship to fill the vacancy created by Judge Kirkendoll’s retirement.
- As Commissioner, Judge Walkins presided over a wide range of cases — family, probate, juvenile, dependency, domestic violence, and more.
- Practiced law for over 16 years
- focusing on family law, domestic violence, dependency/termination defense, adoptions, estate planning, and misdemeanor criminal defense.
- She has held the role of Secretary of the Pierce County Minority Bar Association, mentored students through the Legal Pathways program, and volunteered in youth and law forums.
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
Pierce County - Superior Court
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 ↗