Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu Retires After 11 Years of Service

On December 31, 2025, 68-year-old Mary Yu retired from the Washington Supreme Court, concluding 11 years of service.

As the state’s first Asian American, Latina, and openly gay justice, she leaves a trailblazing legacy, breaking barriers and championing inclusion, and representation.

Born in Chicago to a Chinese father and Mexican mother, Yu grew up immersed in diverse cultures.

She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1975 and went on to earn a theology degree from Dominican University in 1979.

After college, Yu worked for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, initially as a secretary for the Office of Peace and Justice.

She eventually rose to director, advocating for social justice and community programs.

Yu spent 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court before her Supreme Court appointment in 2014.

During that time, she presided over historic moments, including marrying Washington’s first same-sex couple in 2012, a milestone she described as ‘magical.’

Yu became the first openly LGBTQ justice on Washington’s Supreme Court, as well as the first Asian-American and Latina-American.

She also became the 11th woman to serve, joining a growing number of female and LGBTQ justices shaping the court’s future.

“I have spent a lot of time mentoring and teaching those younger than me to embrace life, lead, and to make a difference,” Yu said in a statement.

“As a result of those relationships, I have confidence in the next generation. They will defend and protect the courts that I love so deeply.”