---
title: "Jessica M. Manca | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jessica-m-manca-judge-king-county-superior-court-12802-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Jessica M. Manca

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=12802&orgid=191)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=12802&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=12802&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 Jessica M. (Murphy) Manca is a King County Superior Court Judge in Washington, assigned to Department 22 (Criminal), and appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson on June 8, 2026, to succeed Judge Karen Donohue
- Clerk for U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman (D. Or.) and judicial extern for U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik (W.D. Wash.)
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Washington — Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator, leading investigations into hate crimes and constitutional violations; also handled cybercrime, cyberstalking, and financial crime cases

### Education

- University of Washington School of Law (High Honors) — J.D.

### Additional information

- Her appointment was effective July 1, 2026.
- Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for 10 years, prosecuting hundreds of felony/misdemeanor cases and ~50 jury trials.
- Bailiff: Monica Gillum
- Appointed by nonpartisan election per Washington’s judicial selection system.
- Manca mentors new attorneys, volunteers with Seattle Central Little League, and participates in youth legal education programs.



## 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.