ABOUT DEANNA
I was fortunate to be adopted into an amazing family in Los Angeles in the 1970s. I was joined that year by my parents’ biological son. After moving to Bothell, Washington my parents had my youngest brother, and our family was rounded out with the adoption of my sister from Korea in the 80s. We do not look like the traditional family, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My parents raised their family instilling values of hard work, respect, and giving back to the community. Sundays and Wednesdays were spent at our catholic church listening to sermons from our Irish priest. Friday nights were spent in the Dojo where I earned a second degree blackbelt in Shito Ryu, and a first degree blackbelt in Goshindo. I am fortunate for my family upbringing where we were always loved and supported by my parents.
Growing up I knew early on that law school was in my future. I would watch black-and-white episodes of Perry Mason with my grandmother in her kitchen. I loved the passion he had when he spoke in front of a jury. Knowing I wanted to go to law school, and looking for a Jesuit education, I was accepted to Gonzaga University in the fall of 1994. That year I met my husband at the job I was working part time to pay for school. I graduated three short years later and married my husband at St. Aloysius Church, officiated by Father Tony. I attended Gonzaga Law School graduating in 2001.
While I passed the bar that fall, my career was put on hold while my husband battled cancer. We had 10 years together before he lost his battle. Since then, I have dedicated myself to the field of justice by passionately serving the communities across Washington.
I have surrounded myself with strong, professional women. Whether it was the “Ladies in the Law” group I founded in 2019, to the close female friends in my life, I have been blessed. Together, we have donated our time, talents and resources giving back to our Spokane community.
It was not until 3 years ago that I opened my life to another individual, my boyfriend. We now share a home in Spokane County with our two furry children.
Deanna's Family in 1984
EDUCATION
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2022 Judicial College Graduate, Washington State
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2009 Trial Lawyers College Graduate
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2001 Gonzaga Law School, Juris Doctorate
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1997 Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Arts
VOLUNTEERISM
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2022 YMCA Mock Trial Competition, Judge
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2022 Gonzaga Law School Oral Advocacy, Judge
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2021 Gonzaga Law School Client Counseling Competition, Judge
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2021 Truth Ministries House, Meal Prep and Service Volunteer
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2021 Ladies in the Law Partnered with Heal Spokane, Personal Care Products Drive
Deanna's Gonzaga Law School Graduation
JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE
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2026 – Present: Civil Judge, The Kalispel Tribe of Indians
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2019 – Present: Pro Tem Judge, Spokane County District Court
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2020 – Present: Court Commissioner, Airway Heights Municipal Courts
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2025 – Present: Supreme Court Justice, Supreme Court of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe
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2025 – Present: Appellate Justice for Wind River Tribal Court in Wyoming
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2023 – Present: Appellate Justice, Nez Perce Tribal Court
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2023 – Present: Pro Tem Commissioner, Spokane County Superior Court
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2023 – Present: Pro Tem Judge, The Spokane Tribe of Indian
ATTORNEY EXPERIENCE
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2009 – Present: Owner of Action Legal Group
- 2023 – Present: Contracted Public Defender, Adams County Superior Court - Adults and Juveniles
- 2023 – Present: Contracted Public Defender, Adams County District Court
- 2023 – Present: Dependency & Terminations, Adams County Superior Court, OPD & OCLA Contracts
- 2024 – 2025: Dependency & Terminations, Whitman County Superior Court
- 2022 – 2022: City Prosecutor, City of Ritzville
- 2013 – 2015: Contracted Public Defender, Lincoln County District Court
- 2010 – 2015: Contracted Defense Counsel, Lincoln County Superior Court
- 2006 – 2007: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Spokane County
- 2006 – 2006: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City of Spokane
MEMBERSHIPS
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President of the Northwest Tribal Court Judges’ Association (NWTCJA)
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Prior Secretary of the NWTCJA
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Spokane County Bar Association, member
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District Municipal Court Judges’ Association member (DMCJA)
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Ladies in the Law, Founder
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Trial Lawyers College, member
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Washington Women’s Lawyers, Spokane Chapter (Secretary 2006, member 1997-2007)
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2000-2001 Gonzaga Law School, Student Body Association Secretary
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
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April 19, 2026, Speak up for Justice, CLE
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November 23, 2021, Spokane County Bar Association, Criminal Law: Updates and Trending Issues, Sentencing Alternatives for Criminal Charges.
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May 7, 2021, 2-hour Seminar on Trial Basics
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October 4, 2019, Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Justice Institute, Sentencing Alternatives for Misdemeanor, Gross Misdemeanor, and Felony cases.
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November 8, 2018, Spokane County Bar Association Criminal Potpourri, Case Law Updates of 2018.
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November 30, 2017, Spokane County Bar Association Criminal Potpourri, Tow Hearings and Department of Licensing Administrative Actions.
Deanna competing in a tournament