---
title: "Susan Adams | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/susan-adams-judge-pierce-county-superior-court-8895-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Susan Adams

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=8895&orgid=558)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=8895&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=8895&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 Pierce County Superior Court in Washington, appointed in 2020 by Governor Jay Inslee to replace Judge Helen Whitener, who was elevated to the Washington Supreme Court
- Municipal Court Judge: City of Lakewood Municipal Court (2017–2020)
- Prosecution: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office (1991–2005)
- In summary, Judge Susan Adams brings over three decades of legal experience in prosecution, domestic violence services, and municipal judiciary, combined with active community leadership, to her role on the Pierce County Superior Court bench

### Education

- B.A. in Political Science & Government, Central Washington University (1987) J.D., University of Puget Sound School of Law (1990)

### Additional information

- Appointed: May 2020 by Gov.
- Board Member & Governance Committee Chair, Saint Francis House (2012–2020)
- Founding Director: Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (2005–2017), serving victims of domestic violence and their children
- Women of Influence Award, Tacoma Business Examiner (2015)
- Former member, Clover Park Rotary; civic roles in YMCA Mock Trial and leadership forums



## 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.