---
title: "Mary Cardoza | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mary-cardoza-chief-judge-tribal-courts-swinomish-tribal-court-11669-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Mary Cardoza

Tribal Courts - Swinomish Tribal Court · Chief Judge

## Profile

- Court: Tribal Courts - Swinomish Tribal Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Chief 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=11669&orgid=158)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11669&orgid=158)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11669&orgid=158)
- [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

- The current Chief Judge of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Court in La Conner, Washington, serving since February 2023
- Also listed as an Advisor on the Swinomish Law and Order Commission, reflecting her broader role in tribal governance and justice policy

### Education


### Additional information

- Mary Cardoza became Chief Judge in February 2023, following a period of acting leadership by Lisa Atkinson.
- She succeeded Mark Pouley, who held the role of Chief Judge from 2004 to 2016, and Robert Cole and Lisa Atkinson, who served in acting capacities between 2016 and 2023.
- As Chief Judge, she oversees judicial operations, case management, and the court’s administrative functions.
- Mary Cardoza leads the Swinomish Indian Tribal Court, which handles criminal, civil, and family matters within the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.



## 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.