---
title: "Hillary Madsen | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/hillary-madsen-judge-king-county-superior-court-11328-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Hillary Madsen

King County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: King County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Judge
- 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=11328&orgid=191)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11328&orgid=191)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11328&orgid=191)
- [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

- Judge Hillary Madsen is a nonpartisan judge for Department 13 of the King County Superior Court in Washington, assigned to dependency cases, elected in 2020 and re‐elected in 2024, with a background in law, advocacy, and community service

### Education

- Seattle University School of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- 2024: Re‐elected without appearing on the ballot (primary canceled)
- Joined the King County Superior Court on January 11, 2021.
- 2020: Elected to Department 13, defeating Andrea Robertson (53.6% to 46.0%)
- Law Offices of Mackenzie Sorich PLLC
- Assignment: Dependency cases
- Bailiff: Erin O’Connor
- She also completed a fellowship with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and volunteered with the Family Law Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Dependency Law programs.
- Judge Madsen has been active in organizations focused on children and youth, including homelessness response, foster care, and juvenile legal systems.
- Her work has included visits to prisons, jails, and detention centers.
- She is raising three children with her spouse in King 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.