In a significant move in Washington state's judicial landscape, Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Colleen Melody as the newest justice to the Washington Supreme Court. Taking over from the retiring Justice Mary Yu, Melody brings a strong civil rights background to the bench. As reported by KOMO News, Ferguson announced Melody's appointment at the Temple of Justice, lauding her for devoting her career, "Colleen Melody has devoted her career to standing up for those who often don’t have a voice in our justice system."
Colleen Melody has established a strong reputation as a civil rights attorney, having led the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division since its creation by Ferguson in 2015. Recognized for her exceptional legal expertise, high work ethic, and dedication to justice, Melody played a key role in defending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients during the first term of the Trump administration in 2018, as KING 5 reported. Her appointment marks Gov. Ferguson's first to the state's high court since his tenure began.
During her time at Wing Luke Civil Rights Division, Melody also held a significant role in Washington's successful challenge to President Trump’s first travel ban in 2017 and was at the helm of the team that won the first temporary restraining order against the second Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke birthright citizenship, as outlined by the Washington State Standard. Melody is expected to step into her new role as Justice by the year's end, filling the remainder of Yu's term which expires on December 31, 2028.
Reflecting on the gravity of her new office, Melody expressed her commitment to state courts, noting the importance of such institutions: “state courts are actually the place where most of us who are able to access justice go to seek it,” according to what she told Washington State Standard. Her nomination comes at a time when Melody herself feels that "the rule of law seems more fragile than it has to me at any point during my lifetime." Setting forth a vow for hard work and deep faith in the judiciary as cornerstones of democracy, Melody underlined the critical role that courts play amid declining credibility and growing fragility in the rule of law.
With Justice Sal Mungia joining the court in January after his November 2024 election win, Melody's appointment continues to shape Washington's Supreme Court. The court, which typically reviews more than a thousand cases each year, will benefit from Melody's extensive experience in civil rights and her passion for equal justice under the law, a sentiment that Attorney General Nick Brown echoed, calling her both "brilliant" and "an inspirational leader to many," as detailed by KING 5.
