About SCJA
A Brief History of SCJA
The Association of Superior Court Judges was founded in 1933 by state law, RCW 2.16. All currently serving Superior Court Judges are members of the Association, which also includes Court Commissioners.
In 2016, legislation was passed that changed the Association’s name to Superior Court Judges’ Association (SCJA), a name that has been historically used for decades.
Our purpose is to provide equal justice for all while accomplishing the purposes enumerated below.
To improve the administration of justice.
To conduct instructive programs whereby higher standards of efficiency and excellence may be obtained and to better equip the superior court judges of Washington in the proper performance of their duties.
To support and implement the canons of judicial ethics.
To promote the interchange of ideas and to encourage cooperation and social contacts among the members of the judiciary.
To promote the objectives of statutes relating to the Association.
To promote better relations with the public and other branches of government.
SCJA Board
The SCJA officers manage the day to day operations of the association in conjunction with the Board Trustees. They also oversee the various committees of the Association.
Officers
President
Judge Michael R. Scott
King County
President Elect
Judge Shane Silverthorn
Yakima County
Past President
Judge Cindy A. Larsen
Snohomish County
Secretary
Judge Indu Thomas
Thurston County
Treasurer
Judge Alicia M. Burton
Pierce County
Trustees
District One
Judge Kristin E. Ballinger and
Judge Melinda Young
District Two
Judge Melissa A. Hemstreet
District Three
Judge Jennifer R. Langbehn
District Four
Judge Christine Schaller
District Five
Judge Sonia Rodriguez True
District Six
Judge Lisa Malpass