Committed to fairness, professionalism, and serving the businesses and people of Cowlitz County.
Judge Jill Karmy is a career public servant with more than two decades of prior legal experience as a superior court commissioner, civil attorney, prosecutor, and private practice attorney.
Prior to joining the bench, she served as both a criminal prosecutor and civil litigator while operating her own private law firm and working as a court commissioner. Throughout her career, she has represented clients and argued cases at all levels of the judicial system, including administrative hearings, jury trials, appellate courts, and before the Washington Supreme Court.
Today, Judge Karmy serves as the Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge for Department 4 and currently acts as the Presiding Juvenile Judge. Her experience across multiple areas of law provides a balanced and practical understanding of the justice system and the people it serves.
Her decisions are rooted in preparation, fairness, and a commitment to applying the law impartially.
Judge Karmy is proud to have the support of all current sitting Cowlitz County Superior Court judges, numerous judicial officers throughout the state at both the trial and appellate levels of court, numerous legal professionals, and residents through Cowlitz County, Southwest Washington, and the state.
Judge Karmy believes the law must be applied fairly, consistently, and impartially to every individual who appears before the court.
She is committed to deciding cases free from political pressure, public opinion, or personal bias.
Judge Karmy recognizes that the judiciary exists to serve and protect the public while strengthening trust in the justice system.
Every decision should be based on the evidence presented in court and the applicable law — not personal ideology or preference.
Judge Karmy believes professionalism, transparency, and courtroom decorum are essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
She supports a court system that is understandable, efficient, and accessible to all participants, including self-represented litigants.
Judge Karmy believes public service extends beyond the courtroom.
She created the first Cowlitz County Superior Court Mock Trial Summer Camp for high school students, beginning in Summer 2026. The program provides students with firsthand exposure to the legal system while helping develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Judge Karmy also currently serves on a statewide Justice Gap workgroup focused on improving access to justice across Washington.
She previously served on the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors and as Treasurer for the organization.
"As has been said, 'four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially: Jill Karmy has consistently embodied these qualities as a Court Commissioner, and I'm confident she will continue to do so as a Superior Court Judge. It's an honor to have her appointed to fill the vacancy upon my retirement. With her broad experience and leadership, she will serve Cowlitz County exceptionally well!"
Your support helps continue Judge Karmy’s mission of fairness, professionalism, and service to the community.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or help spread the message, your involvement makes a difference.
