A trailblazer, Dee Ann (Dee) Sonntag, graduate of University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) and the University of Washington School of Law, was elected (by over 60%) as Tacoma Municipal Court Judge, Department 1, the first woman to serve in this position.

Sonntag completed her bachelor’s degree majoring in Politics, Philosophy & Economics and minoring in Human Rights. At UWT, she was an active member of several student organizations, including the Pre-Law Society, ASUWT, and the Legislative Action Committee. After graduating from UW, Sonntag worked as a prosecuting and defense attorney at the Superior Court, District Court, and Department 1 of Tacoma Municipal Court. These formative experiences gave Sonntag a firm foundation for a career as a dedicated public servant.

While acknowledging the flaws of the current criminal justice system,  Sonntag pointed out in an interview with Faith Rasmussen for Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs (PPPA) news, that it is essential to keep faith in the role the system plays, adding that she believes “in the important work that we do to try to make it better.” Sonntag endeavors to connect with community partners and act with a “compassionate therapeutic-based approach to criminal justice [hiredeesonntag.com]” that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.

Congratulations, Dee Sonntag! We are all proud of your new leadership role for the Tacoma community.