Michael E. Schwartz at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael E. Schwartz
Judge · Pierce County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge on the Pierce County Superior Court in Washington, appointed in 2015 by Governor Jay Inslee to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Thomas P. Larkin
- Legal Career: Partner, Harrison, Ladenburg & Schwartz PLLC (1992–1999) Solo practitioner (1999–2015) Practice areas: criminal defense, complex civil litigation in state and federal courts
- Law Enforcement: Honolulu Police Department officer (1984–1989)
- In summary: Judge Michael E. Schwartz brings a unique blend of military, law enforcement, and legal experience to his role on the Pierce County Superior Court, with a strong background in both criminal and civil litigation, and active community leadership
Education
- B.A. in Finance, University of Hawai‘i (1988) J.D., University of Puget Sound School of Law (1992)
Additional information
- Izyllyn Marie Reynolds and other matters filed in 2026.
- Appointed: August 3, 2015
- U.S. Army Military Police, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (1981–1984).
- Recent filings in Pierce County under Judge Schwartz’s jurisdiction include cases such as Sebastian Cole Strickland v.
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
Pierce County - Superior Court
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 ↗