Judge Megan K. Murphy

Judge Megan K. Murphy was appointed to the Court of Appeals, Division III in January of 2025. The daughter of a physician and nurse, Judge Murphy was born and raised in Yakima, Washington. After earning a bachelor's degree from Claremont McKenna College, followed by a law degree at the University of Colorado School of Law, she returned to Yakima to be close to family, including her brother who practices family law.

Judge Murphy's nearly 24-year legal career started at the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office. After five years, she joined a civil law firm and developed a legal practice primarily focused on medical malpractice defense that also included criminal defense, professional licensing, casualty defense, injured worker representation, and guardianships.

Judge Murphy's enjoyment of being with those who practice law and who serve their clients by devoting their talents to the most vulnerable and underserved members of the community culminated in serving as President of the Yakima County Bar Association. An originating member of the Yakima Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers, Judge Murphy took pride in mentoring women of color seeking to join the legal profession. Civic pursuits include serving on the Boards of Yakima Town Hall and the Yakima Symphony Orchestra.