Michael S. Spearman at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Current assignment
- Court of Appeals of Washington
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Michael S. Spearman
Judge · Court of Appeals of Washington
Biography
Professional career
- Judge, Court of Appeals of Washington, 2010-present
- Judge on Division I of the Washington State Court of Appeals from 2010 until his retirement in July 2018
- In summary: Michael S. Spearman was a highly experienced Washington judge with a career spanning public defense, private practice, mediation, and appellate jurisprudence, recognized for his leadership in the King County Superior Court and his contributions to judicial reform
Education
- New York University School of Law in — J.D. (1981)
- Brown University in — B.A. (1974)
- Polytechnic Institute of New York University — J.D.
- New York University School of Law. [...] the firm of Adler, Giersch and Read — J.D.
Additional information
- Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Spearman has lived in Seattle since 1983.
- Retirement: July 31, 2018.
- Elections: Re‐elected in 2011 and 2017; in 2017 he defeated Nathan Choi in the general election for Position 2 on Division I.
- Appointed in May 2010 by Governor Chris Gregoire to succeed retired Judge Susan Agid.
- Appointed: May 2010 by Governor Christine Gregoire to succeed retired Judge Susan Agid.
- Mediator/Arbitrator (2007–2010): With Judicial Dispute Resolution.
- King County Superior Court Judge (1993–2007): Served in all departments, including 3 years as Chief Judge of the Criminal Department, 8 years on the Executive Committee, and 2 years as Assistant Presiding Judge.
- Private Practice (1986–1988): Attorney at Adler, Giersch and Read.
- He was also a machinist for Union Steward (IAM) from 1974–1978.
- Other roles: Civilian auditor for the Seattle Police Department’s Office of Professional Accountability.
- held the role of Presiding Chief Judge of Division I.
- Washington State Courts - Members of the Court of Appeals - Div I Bio - Judge Michael S. Spearman Prior to his judicial career Judge Spearman was a trial lawyer in the areas of criminal defense, family law and personal injury.
- Public defender with The Defender Association, where he supervised the Felony Division; the Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons; and the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
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 of Washington
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 June 30, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Court of Appeals of Washington current judicial profile
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 2, 2026
View Court of Appeals of Washington current judicial profile ↗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 ↗