Barbara Madsen

Washington Supreme Court

Position Five

Statement: For 18 years Justice Madsen has served on the Supreme Court and was unanimously elected Chief Justice in 2010. She graduated from the University of Washington and Gonzaga Law School and has practiced law in Washington for 33 years, beginning as a public defender and then Special Prosecutor for child abuse and family violence. In 1988 Justice Madsen was appointed to Seattle Municipal Court and elected Presiding Judge. She has been active in the community, including co-chairing the Crystal Brame task force to require police to adopt policies for investigating officer involved domestic violence, volunteering with Tacoma schools and the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Justice Madsen is a member of the Robert J. Bryan Inn of Court, the Initiative for Diversity, Washington Women Lawyers, and chairs the state Gender and Justice Commission. Madsen and her husband of 30 years and have four children.

As Chief Justice, Madsen is responsible for overseeing the judicial branch of government, which resolves disputes involving citizens, businesses, and governments. She believes the courts must use evidence based practices, and she is committed to enhancing fairness and access to the courts through use of technology, judicial education, and partnerships with community groups working on justice issues.

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