Ian Birk
Legal/Judicial Experience
Judge, State Court of Appeals, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee, then elected. I am proud to serve the state’s second highest court, hearing cases statewide.
Other Professional Experience
Two decades in private practice, representing individuals, families, and small businesses—often against powerful corporate interests—in cases involving insurance claims, consumer protection, workplace discrimination, and complex civil litigation.
Education
BA and JD, University of Washington
Community Service
More than 10 years service to King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics, providing free legal assistance to people who could not afford an attorney. Many cases involved renters, consumers, and working families facing immediate financial or housing insecurity.
Statement
I’m proud to be the only candidate in this position with statewide judicial experience and an appellate track record demonstrating respect for the rule of law, its impacts on communities, and all people we serve. With my background representing everyday Washingtonians, I will bring a unique perspective to the Supreme Court, where I’ll continue authoring opinions that are independent, fair, and grounded in shared values.
In every case I have taken as a lawyer, and heard as a judge, I have focused on the right of every person to equal access to justice, equal treatment under the law, and fair outcomes. I’ve written hundreds of decisions across civil, criminal, family, administrative, and constitutional law, an unmatched breadth of experience rated “exceptionally well qualified” by Washington Women Lawyers and the Cardozo Society.
Contact
info@ianbirk.com; www.ianbirk.com
Source: State voters' pamphlet, page 35
Sean O'Donnell
Legal/Judicial Experience
Judge on King County Superior Court since 2013; Washington State Supreme Court Justice Pro Tem; elected Superior Court Judges’ Association President by judges statewide; Chief of King County’s Family Law and Criminal Departments; Special Inquiry Judge; mental health court lead judge; prosecutor for 12 years, served on the Green River Task Force and tried Washington’s first human trafficking case; Special Assistant United States Attorney; statewide court security task force chair.
Other Professional Experience
Adjunct Faculty, Seattle University School of Law
Education
Seattle University School of Law, J.D. cum laude; Georgetown University, B.A.
Community Service
Rainier Scholars Resource Council; volunteer mediator; volunteer mock trial judge
Statement
I have been in public service for 25 years as a trial judge, Supreme Court Justice Pro Tem, and prosecutor. I have protected individuals’ constitutional rights, upheld the rule of law, and centered crime victims’ voices in our justice system. I know the role the law plays to protect and serve us all. I began my legal career helping bring the Green River Killer to justice. As Chief Family Law Judge, I helped start a protection order court that resulted in hundreds of firearms being surrendered by people who committed acts of domestic violence. We live in unprecedented times for our democracy. As a Justice, I will defend our rights and the Constitution, maintain impartiality, and always remember that my rulings affect real people.
I am proud to be rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” for the Supreme Court by multiple bar associations and named “Judge of the Year” by the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Endorsements: Governor Christine Gregoire, Congressman Adam Smith, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, 15 mayors, county executives, Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, and over 200 trial and appellate court judicial officers.
Contact
(206) 588-6172; campaign@odonnellforjustice.com; odonnellforjustice.com
Source: State voters' pamphlet, page 35
