---
title: "Lise Schumacher | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/lise-schumacher-commissioner-pierce-county-superior-court-1148-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Lise Schumacher

Pierce County - Superior Court · Commissioner

## Profile

- Court: Pierce County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Commissioner
- 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=1148&orgid=558)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1148&orgid=558)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1148&orgid=558)
- [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

- Solo practitioner in Tacoma (1998–2003) Assistant City Attorney, Tacoma (2003–2004) Pierce County Public Defender (2005–2023) Assistant City Attorney, Lakewood (2023–2024) Assistant Attorney General for Washington State (2022–present)
- Washington State attorney and judicial officer who began serving as a Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner in January 2025
- Judicial Service: Pro Tem Commissioner and Judge in multiple courts (Thurston County Superior & District Courts, Olympia & Fife Municipal Courts, Pierce County Superior Court)

### Education

- J.D., Seattle University School of Law (Tacoma, WA), 1997 B.S., St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, PA), 1988

### Additional information

- Lise K. Schumacher was appointed as one of two new Superior Court Commissioners for Pierce County, WA, starting January 6, 2025, alongside Alex Kirigin.
- Licensing: Licensed in Hawaii (1997) and Washington (1998) state and federal courts
- Commissioners preside over various court divisions, including civil, juvenile, civil mental health, adoptions, and criminal cases.
- Former President of the Golf Committee, Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
- Board Director, L’Arche Tacoma Hope (supporting people with disabilities)
- Volunteer with WA State Special Olympics, Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, Parent to Parent, A Step Ahead Pierce County, and Early Childhood Court



## 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.
