---
title: "Indu Thomas | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/indu-thomas-chief-judge-thurston-county-family-and-juvenile-court-11376-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Indu Thomas

Thurston County - Superior Court · Chief Judge

## Profile

- Court: Thurston County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Chief 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=11376&orgid=685)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11376&orgid=685)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11376&orgid=685)
- [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

- Superior Court Commissioner for Thurston County, Washington, appointed in 2007 and serving on a trial rotation, with a background in public service, law, and advocacy
- Assistant Attorney General for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General (1999–2006)
- School teacher in Houston, Texas
- Public Information Officer, Cleveland Prosecutor’s Office

### Education

- B.A. in English and Political Science, Case Western Reserve University (1991) J.D., Cleveland-Marshall School of Law (1995)

### Additional information

- Legislative Service: Non-partisan staff counsel to the Washington State Senate’s Human Services and Corrections Committee
- focusing on mental health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, public assistance, and child welfare
- Served in Family & Juvenile Court and other trial assignments
- Active in community and church leadership roles
- She has presided over a range of cases, including family matters such as child support and commercial cases.
- The court handles both civil and criminal matters, with her assignments often in Family & Juvenile Court and related domestic violence and protection order cases.
- Member of the Superior Court Judges’ Association Ethics Committee, Therapeutic Courts Committee, and Education Committee



## 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.
