Julie M. McKay at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Julie M. McKay
Judge · Spokane County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge of the Spokane County Superior Court in Washington, appointed in 2016 by Governor Jay Inslee to replace the late Hon. Kathleen M. O’Connor, and currently serves in Department 4, Courtroom 301
- Legal career: Sole practitioner (1990–1995) Principal, Hatch & McKay, P.S. (1995–2014) Prosecutor, City of Cheney Municipal Court (1991–2014) Criminal defense attorney in the area Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner (2014–2016) Pro tem Commissioner (1995–2011, 2014)
- Notable role: Former Chief Judge of the Criminal Court
Education
- B.A. in Government, Eastern Washington University (1987) J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law (1990)
Additional information
- In 2024, she was re‐elected without a ballot due to no challengers filing.
- Appointed in 2016 to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen M. O’Connor.
- Professional affiliations: Washington State Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee (2005–2008) Supreme Court Dissolution Task Force
- She has presided over a variety of cases, including probate, property, and criminal matters.
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
Spokane 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 ↗