Mediator, Arbitrator

Expertise Areas:

• General Civil and Tort Litigation
• Serious Injury and Wrongful Death
• Commercial and Contract Disputes
• Employment Disputes
• Probate, Estate and Family Law
• Professional Negligence

WAMS Mediator Certification: 1990

Accomplishments:

After a prominent 14-year tenure on the Pierce County Superior Court bench, Judge Sue Serko returned to WAMS and her mediation and arbitration practice. Judge Serko’s career began in 1980 when she interned for the law firms now known as Rush Hannula Harkins Kyler, Gordon Thomas Honeywell, and Reed McClure. By 1983, she was an associate attorney with Rush Hannula & Harkins and quickly rose to the position of partner in 1987, followed by managing partner. As a litigator, she practiced in the areas of insurance defense, plaintiff’s personal injury, family law and discrimination. From 1995 to 2001, Judge Serko operated a solo practice on Vashon Island and continued to represent plaintiffs in toxic tort and employment cases.

In 2001, she accepted a position as an Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Administrative Hearings in Seattle, and was appointed to the Pierce County Superior Court bench by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2006. During her time on the bench, she received many awards and leadership positions, maintained a deep commitment to public and community service, chaired numerous committees, and helped develop the very successful “Civil Rotation” program.

Judge Serko applies her aptitude for complex legal issues and calm demeanor to facilitate resolution particularly in the most challenging disputes. Her unique experience and passion for problem solving makes for an effective process.

Education:
USA&M Mediator Training, 1990; USA&M Advanced Mediator Training 2001, 2004, 2005; University of Puget Sound School of Law, JD, 1982; State University of New York College at Cortland, B.A., 1976

Affiliations:
Washington Arbitration & Mediation Service • WSBA • Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association • Hon. Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court, Past President • Washington Women Lawyers • National Association of Women Judges • Pierce County Superior Court, Criminal Department Presiding Judge, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge • Superior Court Judges Association • Girl Scouts of Western WA, Woman of Distinction • Liberty Bell Award Recipient