New judge appointed to Superior Court bench

SPOKANE – A new judge will be presiding on the Spokane County Superior Court bench effective Jan. 8.

Dean Tze-Ming Chuang was appointed to the post on Thursday, Dec. 21, by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Chuang will serve as the judge in the new 13th Judicial Department.

“Dean Chuang is well respected and well prepared to serve the Spokane County community in this role,” Inslee said. “I’m pleased that he will bring his work ethic, courage and skills to the Spokane County Superior Court bench.”

Chuang is a partner at the law firm of Crary, Chuang and Domanico, P.S., where he primarily represents clients in personal injury actions, general litigation, criminal misdemeanor and felony crimes.

Chuang began as an associate with this firm in 2008 and became a partner in 2011. His prior work experience includes serving as a contract public defender for the city of Kennewick.    

Chuang has served on the advisory committee to the Office of Public Defense and provided pro bono legal work in support of the Housing Justice Project.

He has also coached high schoolers participating in the annual mock trial program.

As a former member of the U.S. Army and Washington State Army National Guard, and current member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Chuang served in both Syria and Northern Iraq, and was awarded multiple medals for his meritorious service. 

Chuang earned two bachelor’s degrees, one from Whitman College and another from University of Washington. He earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.