---
title: "Joely A. Yeager | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joely-a-yeager-judge-lewis-county-superior-court-373-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Joely A. Yeager

Lewis County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Lewis 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=373&orgid=483)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=373&orgid=483)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=373&orgid=483)
- [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 Yeager has been serving in Department 3 since 2017 and was re‐elected in November 2024 in an unopposed vote, continuing her tenure on the bench
- Judge Joely A. Yeager is a sitting judge in Department 3 of the Lewis County Superior Court in Washington, having served in that role since 2017 and most recently re‐elected in 2024
- Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tem (2016)
- Centralia Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem (2016)
- Deputy Prosecutor, Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (2009–2014)

### Education

- Gonzaga University School of Law — J.D. (2001)
- (Sociology): University of Washington — B.A. (1998)

### Additional information

- Recent activity: Presides over criminal preliminary appearances in Department 3, such as the October 9, 2026 session.
- Lewis County Public Defense & Family Treatment Court (2014–2016)
- Special Agent, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) (2003–2007)
- Special Agent Training Academy: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, GA (2003)
- Private legal work at Keith S. Douglass & Associates (1999–2003)
- High school: Meadowdale High School, Lynnwood, WA (1993)
- 1) and Paul A. Strophy (Dept.



## 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.