---
title: "Michael E. Schwartz | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-e-schwartz-judge-pierce-county-superior-court-1121-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Michael E. Schwartz

Pierce County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pierce County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: 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=1121&orgid=558)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1121&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=1121&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

- 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.



## 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.