Judge Melissa Hemstreet

Department No. 3

 

Judge Hemstreet graduated from Willamette University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Willamette University College of Law. Judge Hemstreet was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in 1998.

Judge Hemstreet was appointed to the Kitsap County Superior Court bench by Governor Inslee in July of 2015. Prior to her appointment, she was in private practice in Kitsap County. Initially working for Case Law Office as a contract public defender in Port Orchard and Bremerton Municipal Courts. She also provided defense counsel for litigants in involuntary commitment proceedings, as well as defending felonies in Superior Court. She soon advanced to partner with Ms. Case. Eventually, she assumed her firm which became known as Hemstreet Law Office, Inc. P.S.. At the time of her appointment, Judge Hemstreet represented criminal and family law litigants. Notably, Judge Hemstreet was committed to family law throughout her career as a lawyer. She also assisted clients with wills, trusts and guiding them through probate or guardianship actions.

Judge Hemstreet values access to justice for all people and as a private attorney volunteered to take cases at either pro bono or reduced rates through Kitsap Legal Services and as a contract attorney with the Northwest Justice Project. She also volunteered at legal clinics to provide considerable pro bono advice to low income litigants. Judge Hemstreet was active in the Kitsap County and Washington State Legal Community. She served as a Trustee, Vice President, and President of the Kitsap County Bar Association. She served on the Kitsap County Family Law Practice and Procedure board. During her career, she was a member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, the Washington Defender Association, and Washington Women Lawyers.

Judge Hemstreet is a member of the South Kitsap Rotary and values the community service provided by that organization. Judge Hemstreet enjoys spending time with her family and attending community events and her children’s activities.

 

Judge Hemstreet's Law Clerk:

Kyle Gallagher 360-337-4593