A Judge with Proven Experience

Judge Mike Diaz has built a career defined by results, leadership, and a deep commitment to enforcing the law fairly and effectively.

Before taking the bench, he spent a decade as a federal civil rights attorney in Seattle, helping to found the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Program and enforcing laws that protect people in their workplaces, homes, schools, and communities.

For this service, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Diaz to a lifetime appointment on the federal court, only to be stymied by Mitch McConnell, who would not bring his nomination to a vote.

Governor Jay Inslee twice appointed Judge Diaz to the bench—first to the King County Superior Court and later to the Washington Court of Appeals—where his work spans nearly every area of the law. He is in his ninth year of judging. 

• Helped found Seattle’s Civil Rights Program as an Assistant U.S. Attorney

• Earned top Department of Justice honors for excellence in civil rights enforcement

  • EOUSA Director’s Award for “extraordinary professional achievements and excellence,” among the highest awards given to the nationwide United States Attorney community; 

  • Thomas C. Wales Performance Award, the highest award given at the Seattle U.S. Attorney’s Office; and 

  • Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Division’s Distinguished Service Award, among the highest awards in that Division.

• Appointed to King County Superior Court (2018) and Washington Court of Appeals, Division I (2022)

• Presided over dozens of jury and bench trials across criminal, civil, and family law matters in King County

• Authored 200+ appellate opinions at the Court of Appeals, including ~25 published decisions, shaping Washington law, protecting workers’ rights, holding corporations accountable, and keeping the public safe

Guided by Unwavering Principles

Judge Diaz’s commitment to justice is grounded in both his professional work and his personal story. An immigrant from Lima, Peru, he was raised in working-class communities in Ballard and White Center by parents who emphasized hard work, humility, and giving back. These experiences shaped his belief that the justice system must be fair, impartial, and accessible to everyone.

Throughout his career, Judge Diaz has worked to expand access to justice—particularly for communities that have historically faced barriers—and continues to serve in leadership roles that promote fairness, accountability, and public trust.

• First lawyer in his large Latino family; grew up speaking Spanish at home

• Longtime volunteer and leader with the Spanish Language Legal Clinic, expanding access to legal services

• Chairs the Washington Supreme Court’s Interpreter and Language Access Commission, ensuring non-English speakers can access our courts

• Serves on the Washington Commission on Judicial Conduct, ensuring ethical conduct in judges

Prepared to Serve Washington with Justice

Judge Diaz brings the breadth of experience and judgment needed to serve on Washington’s highest court from day one. His career spans private practice, federal civil rights law, trial courts, and appellate courts—giving him a comprehensive understanding of how the law affects people at every stage of the justice system.

He has handled complex and consequential cases, served as Chief Judge of the Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center, and now helps shape Washington law at the appellate level—experience that uniquely prepares him for the responsibilities of the Washington Supreme Court.

• More than 16 years of legal experience across civil, criminal, and constitutional law

• Served as Chief Judge, helping manage 7 judges and approximately 150 staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most challenging periods for the courts

• Adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law, teaching Washington constitutional law, among other courses

Judge Diaz’s career reflects a commitment to fairness, service, and the rule of law. From his work enforcing civil rights to his service on the bench, he has approached every role with integrity, humility, and respect for the people he serves. He is ready to bring that same commitment to the Washington Supreme Court.

Judge Diaz is endorsed by nine Supreme Court judges and 26 Court of Appeals judges, including majorities of both courts, as well as over 100 Superior Court and other judges.

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