Washington State Courts, Steve Gonzalez Bio

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Ballotpedia, Steven Gonzalez

Steve is originally from California. He earned his bachelor's degree in east Asian studies from Pitzer College and his law degree from U.C. Berkeley School of Law. Before law school, he did graduate work in economics at Hokkaido University. Steve lives with his wife and children in Washington.

Steve previously worked as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, an assistant city attorney for Seattle, and as an associate attorney at Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson.

Steve Gonzalez currently serves as the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. He was appointed in 2011, elected to the court in 2012 and is serving his 2nd term. He was elected as Chief Justice in 2021. He previously served as a judge on the King County Superior Court from 2002 to 2011. 

As a state supreme court justice (2012-present), decides which cases the court will grant review of, evaluates questions of constitutional law, wrongful imprisonment cases, capital felonies, election contests, and the state's use of the death penalty. Ensures that lower courts apply the law correctly, allows certain cases to be retried, and provides final interpretations of state law.

As a superior court judge (2002-2011),  oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an assistant United States attorney (1997-2002), worked with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, represented the federal government in the prosecution of major criminal actions, and provided legal representation in civil suits against the government.

As a city assistant law director (1996-1997),  provided legal counsel and representation to the city and its officials, prepared legal opinions and answers to complaints for the law department, conducted interviews, reviewed records, and developed case strategy for the law department's prosecutions.

As a legal associate at a law firm (1991-1996), researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in international business law.

- As a state supreme court justice (2012-present), decides which cases the court will grant review of, evaluates questions of constitutional law, wrongful imprisonment cases, capital felonies, election contests, and the state's use of the death penalty. Ensures that lower courts apply the law correctly, allows certain cases to be retried, and provides final interpretations of state law.
- As a superior court judge (2002-2011),  oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant United States attorney (1997-2002), worked with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, represented the federal government in the prosecution of major criminal actions, and provided legal representation in civil suits against the government.
- As a city assistant law director (1996-1997),  provided legal counsel and representation to the city and its officials, prepared legal opinions and answers to complaints for the law department, conducted interviews, reviewed records, and developed case strategy for the law department's prosecutions.
- As a legal associate at a law firm (1991-1996), researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in international business law.

Legal Experience

State Court Report, A Conversation

Supports an approach to justice that reflects on past inequities, aiming to ensure fairness for marginalized communities.

Advocates for addressing implicit bias in the justice system, particularly in jury selection.

- Supports an approach to justice that reflects on past inequities, aiming to ensure fairness for marginalized communities.
- Advocates for addressing implicit bias in the justice system, particularly in jury selection.

Judicial Philosophy

Led efforts to improve court accessibility, especially through enhanced language services and interpreter access.

- Led efforts to improve court accessibility, especially through enhanced language services and interpreter access.

Judicial Administration

Advocated for the removal of biased language from court rules and opinions.

- Advocated for the removal of biased language from court rules and opinions.

Ethics & Conduct

Engages in mentoring programs, such as the Washington Leadership Institute and minority job fairs, to promote diversity in the legal profession.

- Engages in mentoring programs, such as the Washington Leadership Institute and minority job fairs, to promote diversity in the legal profession.

Community Involvement

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Steve Gonzalez

Washington State Courts: Steve Gonzalez Bio

Steve is originally from California. He earned his bachelor's degree in east asian studies from Pitzer College and his law degree from U.C. Berkeley School of Law. Before law school, he did graduate work in economics at Hokkaido University. Steve lives with his wife and children in Washington.

Steve previously worked as a King County Superior Court Judge, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, an assistant city attorney for Seattle, and an associate attorney at Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson.

Steve Gonzalez currently serves as the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. He was first elected to the court in 2012 and is serving his second term. His colleagues on the Supreme Court elected him to be Chief Justice in 2021.

- As a state supreme court justice (2012-present), Judge Gonzalez decides which cases the court will grant review of, evaluates questions of constitutional law, wrongful imprisonment cases, capital felonies, election contests, and the state's use of the death penalty. He ensures that lower courts apply the law correctly, allows certain cases to be retried, and provides final interpretations of state law.
- As a superior court judge (2002-2011), Judge Gonzalez oversaw cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant United States attorney (1997-2002), Judge Gonzalez worked with state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, represented the federal government in the prosecution of major criminal actions, and provided legal representation in civil suits against the government.
- As a city assistant law director (1996-1997), Judge Gonzalez provided legal counsel and representation to the city and its officials, prepared legal opinions and answers to complaints for the law department, conducted interviews, reviewed records, and developed case strategy for the law department's prosecutions.
- As a legal associate at a law firm (1991-1996), Judge Gonzalez researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in international business law.

As of October 8, 2024, Steve Gonzalez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Steve Gonzalez is the Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court, having been elected by his colleagues in 2021. He previously served as a trial judge on the King County Superior Court for ten years and worked as a federal and municipal criminal prosecutor. Gonzalez began his legal career at the Seattle law firm Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson.

Believes in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice through fair and impartial judicial decisions.

Believes in strong legal frameworks for prosecuting international terrorism.

Said, "I’ve worked hard to be thorough, fair, and well-reasoned in my approach to the law, and to bring us closer to a justice system that treats everyone with dignity and respect."

Believes in upholding the Constitution and protecting individual rights.

Said, "Throughout my career, I’ve worked hard to be thorough, fair, and well-reasoned in my approach to the law, and to bring us closer to a justice system that treats everyone with dignity and respect."

Believes in recognizing outstanding service in the judiciary, as demonstrated by receiving the John Marshall Award, the highest award available for an Assistant United States Attorney.

Believes in upholding state laws and the Constitution, and ensuring open access to the justice system.

Believes in receiving broad bipartisan support for judicial administration.

As Chief Justice, he has given lectures nationwide on legal reforms in Washington.

Endorsed by the Washington State Democratic Party.

Believes in the importance of community engagement and service outside of the courtroom.

Believes in recognizing excellence in judicial administration, as demonstrated by receiving the highest award for an Assistant United States Attorney.

Supported Chief Justice Steve González’s re-election campaign.

Chairs the Board for Judicial Administration for the State of Washington and Co-Chairs the Washington State Interbranch Advisory Committee.

Received Outstanding Judge of the Year Awards from multiple organizations, including the Washington State Bar Association.

Received the 2021 CZ Smith Trailblazer Award from the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington.

Received the 2022 Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Profession.

Recognized as the 2023 Mentor of the Year by the King County Bar for community involvement.

Received numerous awards for community involvement, including the 2022 Community Service Award from the American Legion Post 1, the 2021 Community Service Award from the Colorado State Elks Association, and the 2020 Community Service Award from the Colorado State Fraternal Order of Police.

- The Washington State Supreme Court has nine justices and serves as the final authority on the Washington Constitution and Washington law.
- They interpret laws, review appeals, and issue opinions on cases. They also establish court rules, oversee legal practice, and hear significant public interest cases.
- A candidate must be licensed to practice in Washington to be elected into this office. Justices must retire at the age 75. 
- Justices are elected for six-year terms in nonpartisan elections. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some justices are elected each year.
- The chief justice earns $255,495 and associate justices earn $251,8613 per year.

Washington Supreme Court Justice

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