ABOUT JUDGE MONICA CARY

Thank you for your interest in my campaign to be retained as a judge in King County Superior Court.

I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve our community as a judge.

I was appointed to my position by Governor Jay Inslee. At the time of my appointment, I was serving as a Court Commissioner presiding over family law motions, civil protection orders, truancy, trial by affidavit calendars, and At-Risk Youth and Children in Need of Services matters. Having youth and families regularly appear before me gave me an understanding of the plight of families in the courtroom and the reverberations of these issues in the justice system.

My interest in public service really began before law school. In fact, it is what brought me to the great state of Washington about 27 years ago. After college, I spent a year with Americorps VISTA volunteering at the FamilyWorks Food Bank in Wallingford. Following my Americorps year, I went to law school.  After earning my law degree, I clerked for a judge and then worked as a Deputy Prosecutor before spending 18 years in private practice. 

When I was an owner of a law firm, in addition to representing high-net-worth individuals, I committed a significant portion of my work to social justice issues including pro bono direct representation representing people of a wide variety of backgrounds. While in private practice, I received recognition for my legal work. I received the Super Lawyers Rising Star designation in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. I was a 2014 recipient of the National Academy of Family Law Top 10 under 40. Over the years, I also mentored several young professionals and I was a 2021 KCBA YLD Nominee for Mentor of the Year.

I believe that public trust in the court system is integral to the well-being of our community. My commitment to our courts began before joining the judiciary. While in private practice, I served as a King County Commissioner pro tem (or substitute Commissioner) for five years. I volunteered my time as a King County Superior Court Volunteer Settlement Conference mediator for thirteen years. In addition, I served as a Co-Director of a bar committee that rates judicial candidates.

As a judge, I aim to bring a fair, neutral, and solution-oriented perspective to my courtroom. I feel fortunate to have a fortitude of support from many of my colleagues and I hope that you will support me as well. Thank you for taking the time to read about my background.