Judge H. Joseph Coleman

DIVISION I, POSITION 4

July 26, 1984–December 31, 2007

Appointed by Governor Spellman; Retired

Hot eastern Washington summers and dusty wheat fields persuaded Judge Joseph Coleman rather early in his life that a career in law was preferable to remaining on the family farm.

After receiving his undergraduate degree and law degrees from the University of Washington, Judge Coleman served as a law clerk to Washington State Supreme Court Justice Matthew W. Hill. Judge Coleman’s pre-appellate career consisted of private practice in Seattle, Assistant Seattle City Attorney, legal advisor to the Seattle Police Department, and in 1976, election to the King County Superior Court. Governor John Spellman appointed Judge Coleman to the Court of Appeals in 1984.

The judges then on Division One were Keith Callow, Pat Corbett, Barbara Durham, Solie Ringold, Jack Schofield, Herbert Swanson, and Warn Williams. With a warm welcome and “here are your twenty-five writing assignments,” Judge Coleman’s appellate career began.

In addition to the initial seven judges, Judge Coleman has served with Marlin Appelwick, Susan Agid, William Baker, Mary Kay Becker, Ronald Cox, Ann Schindler, Stephen Dwyer, Anne Ellington, Marshall Forrest, Kenneth Grosse, Faye Kennedy, Rosselle Pekelis, Robert Winsor, and Walter Webster. In this constellation of judicial stars, it is impossible to single out any one or group for special comment. Suffice it to say, it has been inspiring to work with such talent, and Judge Coleman has benefited from each association. Judge Coleman’s length of service was 23 and 1/2 years.

Three adjectives come to mind when Judge Coleman thinks of Division One: collegial, scholarly, and innovative. Judge Coleman always marveled at the willingness to embrace new ideas and appreciated the cooperative spirit that marks the discussions. It is a great place to work.