Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Washington Supreme Court names new “gatekeeper”

Former Washington Solicitor General Narda Pierce

appointed Supreme Court Commissioner

Former Washington Solicitor General Narda Pierce has been appointed to the position of Court Commissioner by the Washington Supreme Court’s nine justices. Pierce replaces long-time Commissioner Steven Goff, who retired last month after nearly 34 years of serving as commissioner, deputy-commissioner and in other capacities in the office. 

The position of Supreme Court Commissioner was created in 1976 and serves as what can be termed a “gatekeeper” for the Court, helping to review and analyze the hundreds of petitions and motions that come to the Supreme Court each year. Pierce will serve as only the fourth Supreme Court Commissioner in Washington State history.  She will start on January 6, 2014.

“The Supreme Court is delighted that Narda has accepted this position,” said Chief Justice Barbara Madsen. “She has an extraordinary breadth of legal experience and we could not have asked for a more qualified candidate to fill this important role.”

The Commissioner’s Office reviews approximately 1,000 petitions and motions filed each year with the Washington Supreme Court, and has a primary role in determining which cases will be heard by the full Court. The Commissioner issues an average of 700 rulings a year, ranging in scope from deciding whether to dismiss original actions against state officers, whether to grant review of personal restraint petitions filed by prisoners, and advising Supreme Court justices on petitions for review. The Commissioner also heads a central staff of attorneys and professional staff members who assist in carrying out the duties of the Commissioner's Office.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed Supreme Court Commissioner, and I look forward to serving the Court and the people of the state of Washington," Pierce said.

In addition to private practice experience, Pierce served as legal counsel for former Governor Christine Gregoire from 2009-2013 and as Solicitor General with the Attorney General’s Office from 1993-2005.  For further information on the operations of Washington’s Supreme Court, please visit www.courts.wa.gov.

CONTACTS:  Lorrie Thompson, (360) 705-5347, Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov; Wendy Ferrell, (360) 705-5331, Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov.