J. Michael Diaz

J. Michael Diaz is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law, where he teaches civil rights and supervises students. He currently serves as a Judge on Washington State Court of Appeals Division I, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2022. Previously, he was a King County Superior Court Judge (2018–2022) and Chief Judge of the Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center. A career prosecutor, he spent a decade at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington, founding its Civil Rights Program and earning prestigious awards. He holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School (2002) and a B.A. in Philosophy (magna cum laude) from the University of Notre Dame (20XX).

• Education: B.A., Philosophy, University of Notre Dame; J.D., Cornell Law School

His expertise spans civil rights litigation, criminal justice reform, and judicial ethics. He has pioneered initiatives addressing systemic discrimination and prosecuted high-profile civil rights cases. Diaz is a faculty member at the DOJ's National Advocacy Center and chairs the Washington State Supreme Court Interpreter Commission. His community contributions include leadership roles in legal aid clinics and pro bono initiatives supporting underserved communities.

Notable recognitions include the EOUSA Director's Award and nomination by President Obama for federal judgeship (2016). His career reflects a commitment to advancing justice through legal education and public service.