Megan K. Murphy at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Megan K. Murphy
Judge · Court of Appeals - Division III
Biography
Professional career
- Appointed to the Washington Court of Appeals, Division III, District 3, by Governor Jay Inslee on January 13, 2025, replacing Judge Rebecca Pennell, who was elevated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
- Began her career at the Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office, serving as a deputy prosecuting attorney for five years
Education
- Bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College in California and a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law.
Additional information
- Her current term is set to end on January 10, 2027, and she is running for re-election in the primary election on August 4, 2026.
- Over her career, she has tried approximately 50 cases to verdict and appeared before Division III in numerous cases.
- Judge Megan K. Murphy combines extensive trial experience, civil and criminal law expertise, and community leadership.
- She then transitioned to private practice, focusing primarily on medical malpractice defense, while also handling criminal defense, professional licensing, casualty defense, injured worker representation, and guardianships.
- She has also held leadership roles as an owner and partner in law firms, gaining extensive operational management experience.
- Her appointment to the Court of Appeals reflects her professional accomplishments and dedication to public service, and she is actively seeking re-election to continue serving in Division III of the Washington Court of Appeals.
- Her educational background laid the foundation for a nearly 24-year legal career.
- Murphy has been active in civic and professional organizations.
- She is an originating member of the Yakima Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers, mentoring women of color entering the legal profession.
- She has served on the boards of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Town Hall, including leadership roles during the pandemic.
- Additionally, she volunteers with legal aid clinics and provides pro bono legal services to underserved individuals.
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
Court of Appeals - Division III
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 ↗