SEATTLE– State Appeals Court Judge Ian Birk has announced that he will run for State Supreme Court Justice. Birk, 47, has served on Division 1 of the Appellate Court since 2022, following a two-decade year career as a leading litigator and plaintiff’s attorney. He is presently seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Justice Charles Johnson, who is prohibited from seeking re-election this year.
Throughout his career in private practice, Birk has championed the rights of individuals, and as a judge he has maintained a commitment to equal protection under the law. These experiences, and the unique perspectives of service on the appellate court, will inform his positions and opinions as Justice.
“As a lawyer, I took on cases as diverse as indigent renters seeking return of security deposits from unethical landlords to homeowners and businesses large and small seeking relief from insurance companies who denied their claims,” said Birk. “In every case I took as a lawyer, or heard as judge, I have focused on the rights of the parties involved to equal access to justice, equal treatment regardless of circumstance, and fair outcomes under the law. I’ll bring these important perspectives to the State Supreme Court to ensure we lead by example for courts across Washington, and the federal judiciary, which suffers from greater pressures and politicization, threatening our constitutional and legal rights.”
Birk begins the campaign with strong support from current and former members of the State Supreme Court, as well as judges, legal professionals, and elected officials statewide.
“I support Judge Birk because he has the appellate experience and the work ethic to do the job on Day 1,” said recently retired Justice Mary Yu. “He has a keen legal mind, coupled with deep commitment to fairness and due process for all appearing in our courts. He truly cares about the people in the State of Washington.”
“Throughout his career, Judge Birk has fought for accountability and equality under the law,” said Democratic State Insurance Commissioner and former State Senator Patty Kuderer. “He has taken on tough fights against powerful corporate interests, worked with marginalized communities, and stood up for our laws and constitution. We need him on the State Supreme Court.”
“We need Justices who understand the full spectrum of State law, and the diverse communities east and west of the Cascades,” said Spokane County Superior Court Judge Breann Beggs. “Judge Birk knows this job is about securing the rights of all people, and ensuring every voice is heard and respected in our legal system.”
Birk, a 5th generation Washingtonian, attended public schools and enrolled early in the University of Washington, graduating with a BA at age 19 before enrolling in UW School of Law. Following law school, Birk served as a Clerk in the Washington State Supreme Court. In addition to his career in private practice, where he argued cases at all levels of the state judicial system in both Eastern and Western Washington, Birk spent a decade volunteering with the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics, providing free legal assistance to people who could not afford an attorney.
“Throughout my life and career as an attorney and judge, I’ve tried to advance our shared values of equality, fairness, and opportunity,” said Birk. “Our laws exist to not only keep us safe from harm, but open doors for economic stability, community strength, and for the next generation to do better. I am committed to being a Justice for all the people of Washington, and appreciate the opportunity to meet with people from all walks of life in this campaign.”
Learn more at ianbirk.com.
Source: Erin Schultz, NWP Consulting
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
