**Senior Judge Marsha J. Pechman** was appointed to the Western District of Washington in 1999 and took senior status in February 2016. She served as Chief U.S. District Judge from 2012 to 2016. Before her 1999 federal appointment, Judge Pechman spent twelve years on the King County Superior Court bench (1988–1999). Her earlier career included roles as a Seattle civil litigation partner, King County prosecutor, and public defender, and she supervised the criminal law clinic at the University of Washington Law School. She is a founder of Justice Advocacy Africa, an organization focused on teaching trial skills across multiple African nations since 2003, having trained over 550 African lawyers across Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, and Malawi. **Education** - Boston University Law School, J.D., 1976 - Cornell University, B.A., 1973 **Career** - Senior U.S. District Judge / Chief Judge, Western District of Washington (1999–present) - Judge, King County Superior Court (1988–1999) - Civil litigation partner, Seattle - King County Prosecutor - Public Defender; supervisor, criminal law clinic, University of Washington Law School - Founder, Justice Advocacy Africa
**Division:** Seattle **Courthouse:** United States Courthouse, 700 Stewart Street, Suite 14229, Seattle, WA 98101-9906 **Courtroom:** Suite 14206 **Phone:** (206) 370-8820 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: (206) 370-8518 - Case Administrator: (206) 370-8456
Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 50 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by chambers drop off. Courtesy copy required for documents over 50 pages filed via CM/ECF.
Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Good faith meet and confer required before filing motions to compel.
Judge Marsha J. Pechman's formatting rule includes times new roman font, 12 point type. All pleadings must be in 12-point Times New Roman font.
The rule requires proposed order. Proposed order required with any motion requiring Court's signature.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Counsel must comply with all procedures in Local Rule 51.
Parties may contact Judge Marsha J. Pechman's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. All cellular phones and wireless devices must be turned off or in airplane mode during proceedings.
Yes. Judge Marsha J. Pechman's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Oral argument granted when Court needs clarification or when opposing party likely to lose.
Proposed order required with any motion requiring Court's signature.
All pleadings must be in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Good faith meet and confer required before filing motions to compel.
Good faith meet and confer required before filing motions in limine.
Courtesy copy required for documents over 50 pages filed via CM/ECF.
Courtesy copies must be three-hole punched, tabbed, and bound with rubber bands/clips (no three-ring binders).
Oral argument granted when Court needs clarification or when opposing party likely to lose.
All cellular phones and wireless devices must be turned off or in airplane mode during proceedings.
Counsel must stand when addressing court, witness, or jury, but not restricted to podium.
Counsel must review Judge Pechman's generic jury instructions before submitting proposed instructions.
Counsel must comply with all procedures in Local Rule 51.