Philip K. Sorensen at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Philip K. Sorensen
Judge · Pierce County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Former Pierce County Juvenile Court Judge (2016–present)
- Judge of the Pierce County Superior Court in Washington State, serving in Superior Court Department 19 since April 2014
- Former Drug Court Judge (2018–2019)
- Pierce County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (1989–2014) Chief Criminal Deputy (2011–2014) Led drug and robbery/assault units, and served in family support and criminal divisions
- Pro tem judge in City of Olympia Municipal Court and Thurston County District Court
Education
- Seattle University School of Law — J.D. (1986)
- Pacific Lutheran University — B.A. (1982)
Additional information
- Presiding Judge (2021–2022)
- Executive Committee member, Pierce County Juvenile Court (2016–2017, 2019–2022)
- Re‐elected in 2016 without opposition under Washington’s automatic election rule for unopposed judicial seats.
- Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee on March 8, 2014, effective April 1, 2014, replacing Judge Linda C.J. Lee.
- Active in Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association and Washington State Bar Association
- Judge Sorensen has over 24 years of prosecutorial experience, including leadership roles in criminal and drug units, and is also involved in civic organizations such as the American Inns of Court and local youth programs.
- For case information or court schedules, visit the Washington State Courts directory or the Pierce County Superior Court Department 19 page.
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 ↗