---
title: "Kelly Wood | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kelly-wood-judge-thurston-county-superior-court-12807-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Kelly Wood

Thurston County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Thurston 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=12807&orgid=683)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=12807&orgid=683)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=12807&orgid=683)
- [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


### Education


### Additional information

- He relocated from Seattle in 2008 and has remained active in both professional and community spheres.
- Wood has a distinguished record in environmental and public law, recognized nationally for his work in Clean Water Act litigation.
- Earlier in his career, Wood practiced at Phillips Burgess, PLLC
- representing municipal governments, corporations, and individuals in environmental, land use, and municipal law matters.
- Seasoned litigator with over two decades of experience in state and federal courts, including appearances before the United States Supreme Court.
- overseeing litigation in areas such as air quality, climate, nuclear waste, and energy facility siting.
- He has represented the State of Washington in significant cases, including litigation against the U.S. Department of Energy regarding worker health issues at the Hanford Nuclear Site.
- He also managed a team of six attorneys handling complex environmental and regulatory matters.
- Appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson to fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Carol Murphy, who served 34 years in public service, including 17 years on the Thurston County bench.
- Prior to his appointment, he held the role of Senior Counsel and managing Assistant Attorney General for the Washington State Department of Ecology
- Wood earned his law degree with high honors from Seattle University School of Law and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors from the University of North Texas.
- His academic achievements reflect a strong foundation in legal and analytical skills, which he brings to the bench.
- Beyond his legal career, Wood has been active in the community, serving on the executive committee of the Washington State Bar Association’s Environmental and Land Use Law Section, including as Chair.
- He volunteered with Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services (now Sound Legal Aid) and led initiatives with Friends of Capitol Forest to enhance recreational opportunities.
- Wood is also an avid mountain biker and snowboarder, reflecting his engagement with local outdoor activities.
- Wood resides in Olympia, Washington, with his wife, Jocelyn, and their two children.
- Kelly Wood’s appointment marks a continuation of his commitment to public service and legal excellence, bringing extensive litigation experience and community engagement to the Thurston County Superior Court bench.



## 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.
