---
title: "Lisa Mansfield | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/lisa-mansfield-magistrate-king-county-municipal-courts-seattle-670-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Lisa Mansfield

King County - Municipal Courts - Seattle · Magistrate

## Profile

- Court: King County - Municipal Courts - Seattle
- State: Washington
- Role: Magistrate
- 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=670&orgid=242)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=670&orgid=242)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=670&orgid=242)
- [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 Pro Tempore, Thurston County District Court (since 2018)
- Lakewood Municipal Court Judge (2020–2024): Appointed September 21, 2020, to serve Lakewood, University Place, DuPont, and Steilacoom
- Magistrate Judge at Seattle Municipal Court and a former Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lakewood, Washington, with over 17 years of legal service in public defense and judicial roles
- In summary: Judge Lisa Mansfield is a seasoned Washington state judge and legal professional, currently serving as a Magistrate Judge in Seattle Municipal Court, with a background in public defense, municipal judiciary service, and community leadership

### Education

- Juris Doctor (JD) — University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, WA
- Columbia University, New York, NY — B.A.

### Additional information

- As of 2024, Lisa Mansfield serves as a Magistrate Judge at Seattle Municipal Court, where she handles contested civil traffic infractions, parking infractions, ordinance violations, and presides over mitigation and contested settlement conferences.
- Magistrates in this role are assigned work by the Presiding Judge and are expected to act with judicial integrity, timeliness, and respect for all parties.
- Sworn in virtually due to COVID-19 and committed to treating all parties with equal respect under the law.
- Former President, Pierce County Minority Bar Association
- Before entering the judiciary, Mansfield spent 17 years with the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel, working in the Dependency Unit, felony unit, and misdemeanor division.
- She also had experience in private legal practice.
- Board Member, Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
- Board of Trustees, Tacoma Art Museum
- Co-Chair, University of Washington Tacoma Legal Pathways Advisory Board
- Member, Washington Safe Babies State Advisory Board
- Her career reflects a strong focus on children’s justice, therapeutic courts, and community engagement, with recognition for leadership in these areas.



## 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.
