Experience
Dee is an experienced trial attorney and has practiced law as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. At the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel, she has represented individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes in Superior Court, District Court, and Tacoma Municipal Court. She spent years representing individuals in Department #1 of Tacoma Municipal Court, learning the ins and outs of the very court she now seeks to lead. Before running for judge, Dee worked to revamp the felony drug court program in Superior Court and looks forward to bringing that experience to the bench in Tacoma.
As a judge, Dee intends to continue her dedication to public service with a compassionate, therapeutic-based approach to criminal justice that will provide needed treatment services to those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders, while supporting victims of crime.
Community
Dee is a public servant who puts Tacoma first. She loves her community and hopes to continue investing in its future through compassionate leadership as a judge.
Outside of the courtroom, Dee serves the public through her work with several Tacoma organizations. Dee is an active member of the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, previously serving as the Criminal Law Section Co-Chair and as a member of the Judicial Qualifications Committee. Through her role as co-founder and co-director of Lawyers Against Systemic Racism, a locally-based organization of attorneys dedicated to ending racial discrimination in the justice system, Dee organized community forums, community service projects, and educational activities. Through that work, she partnered with and supported community organizations such as Lawyers Helping Hungry Children, My Sister’s Pantry, Nativity House, and Northwest Community Bail Fund.
Dedication
Dee was born in Pierce County and spent her childhood in Graham before moving to Montana. Shortly after high school, Dee returned to Tacoma with her three sisters where she has remained a resident for the past 20 years. She raised a family while earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington Tacoma graduating magna cum laude and law degree at the University of Washington School of Law. Her daughter Jade attends Stadium High School and her husband Joey works for the Pierce County Clerk’s Office.