Standing Up for Workers & Fair Pay

Why some workers on Highway 99 tunnel project are owed back pay
Seattle Times • February 2025
Court required a contractor to pay $370,666 in back wages, affirming Washington’s stronger protections for workers.

Keeping Communities Safe & Improving Policing

We negotiated the SPD consent decree. Here’s what comes next
Seattle Times (Opinion) • September 2025
Led police reform efforts that brought Seattle into compliance with federal standards while emphasizing continued progress.

Seattle police have made gains in recent years, but work remains
Seattle Times (Opinion) • June 2020
Highlighted measurable improvements in policing while calling for continued accountability and reform.

Chipping away at militarized system
Real Change • March 2015
Advanced reforms focused on strengthening trust between police departments and the communities they serve.

Police reform requires community engagement and better training
The Daily UW • February 2015
Advocated for policy changes and improved training to ensure more effective and accountable policing.

One City’s Struggle to Police the Police
Washington Post Magazine • December 2019
"[T]o work, a consent decree has to be backed by the full force of the Justice Department and the U.S. attorney general. 'We had an independent enforcement obligation,”'says J. Michael Diaz, who was lead assistant U.S. attorney on Seattle’s Obama-era consent decree and is now a superior court judge in Seattle. The Justice attorneys’ job, he says, was to advocate for the interests of the people of the United States 'as zealously as we can.'”

Juvenile Justice Reform

Juvenile justice: Address the complex needs of youth in system
Seattle Times (Opinion) • February 2020
Promoted a justice approach focused on rehabilitation and support to help young people succeed long-term.

'C' is for convicted. The new Scarlet Letter in Seattle
KUOW • January 2019
Emphasized practical solutions to help youth stay in school and avoid deeper involvement in the justice system.

King County opens doors to controversial new youth detention center
KUOW • February 2020
Supported efforts to create safer, more humane facilities while improving outcomes for youth in the system.

A 13 year old goes on a joyride. Thanks to this program, she won't wind up in court
KUOW • January 2021
Backed investments in diversion programs designed to reduce court involvement and improve long-term outcomes.

Touting zero youth detention goal, King County offers tour of new juvenile jail
Seattle Times • February 2019
Highlighted a long-term goal of reducing youth detention through prevention and alternative programs.

King County judges aim to set record straight on youth detention center
MyNorthwest • March 2019
Clarified the role of courts in balancing accountability with rehabilitation for young people.

Protecting Your Rights

Army reservist fired after serving company and country
KOMO News • November 2013
Enforced federal law protecting servicemembers’ jobs, ensuring they can return to work after deployment.

Trucking company pays reservist $60K for firing without cause
KOMO News • November 2011
Secured financial recovery for a servicemember and reinforced legal protections against wrongful termination.

U.S. stepping up enforcement of veterans’ reemployment rights
NW News Network • October 2013
Expanded enforcement of federal protections to ensure returning veterans receive fair employment treatment.

Seattle prosecutors take action against anti-abortion activist
Seattle Post-Intelligencer • March 2011
“Prosecutors in Seattle contend John C. Kroack, 54, attempted to force his way into the exam area of a Lynnwood clinic, called the employees "baby killers" and "murderers," and had to be hauled away by police.

In a complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Diaz asserted Kroack's actions violated a federal law against blocking access to abortion services.”

‘King Felix,’ Macklemore surprise teens filming anti-bullying video
Seattle Times • April 2014
Launched a community initiative to promote anti-bullying and create safer school environments.

Interview: Reflections from the bench
15 Minutes, King County TV • May 2019
Shared a judicial philosophy centered on fairness, accountability, and respect for everyone in the courtroom.

Recognized for Leadership & Service

President Obama Nominates Three to Serve on the United States District Court
White House Archives • April 2016
Recognized nationally for legal expertise and commitment to justice through nomination to the federal bench by President Obama.