Jan Trasen is an Administrative Law Judge, Judge Pro Tem, and former public defender with decades of experience spanning multiple areas of practice.

Jan has spent her career standing up for fairness—first as a public defender, now from the bench.  Jan also serves Washington families statewide as an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings Child & Family Care Division. There, she conducts hearings and issues final orders on cases that directly affect children’s safety, family stability, and access to critical services and medical care.

As a Judge  Pro Tem for King County District Court and Edmonds Municipal Court, Jan presides over jury trials, arraignments, civil‑protection orders, and small‑claims matters, guiding every case with empathy, efficiency, and an unwavering respect for all who enter her courtroom.

Before taking the bench, Jan spent 26 years as a public defender—16 with the Washington Appellate Project and 10 with the Legal Aid Society—arguing before the Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and handling serious felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases. Her advocacy in criminal defense, dependency, Indian Child Welfare Act proceedings, and civil‑commitment matters helped expand access to justice for thousands of Washingtonians.

Jan’s dedication to public service began long before law school: she was part of Teach  For America’s inaugural corps, teaching in an underserved Los  Angeles middle school and mentoring students who still turn to her three decades later.

Jan is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of The Ruby Room, a Renton non-profit organization that supports low-income and foster-involved youth. She has also served on her local boards of the National Charity League and Lawyers Helping Hungry Children. Committed to cultivating the next generation of legal talent, Jan volunteers as a judge for mock‑trial and moot‑court competitions at the University of Washington and serves on the Cardozo Society’s Judicial Evaluation Committee.

From the classroom to the courtroom, Jan Trasen has earned a reputation for balanced judgment, deep community roots, and a tireless commitment to justice—values she will bring to the District Court every single day.