In a courtroom where decisions carry weight, Superior Court Judge Annette Plese `82 is known for being steady and fair, but with the human element at heart. She connects that back to her years at Gonzaga Prep.
 
Talk to people who work with Superior Court Judge Annette Plese and you’ll hear the same things. She’s fair. She works hard. She takes her time and doesn’t rush decisions. Over the years, she’s also pushed for changes in how some cases are handled—especially in domestic violence court—focusing on treatment and accountability, not just jail time.

Those instincts didn’t come out of nowhere. She traces a lot of them back to her time at Gonzaga Prep.

Annette graduated in 1982. She wasn’t a student leader or heavily involved in activities. Most of her time was split between school and a part-time job. But the place itself left a mark.

She remembers how small it felt in the best way. A lot of her classmates had come from the same Catholic grade school, so there was already a sense of connection. Teachers knew students by name. That stood out to her. She still talks about her Spanish teacher, Ms. Bongers, and just calls her “awesome.”

Looking back, she’s pretty honest about what she would’ve done differently. She wishes she had taken fuller advantage of what was in front of her—more activities, more engagement, and a little more attention to her grades. If she were talking to students now, especially girls at Prep, she’d keep it simple: get involved, use what’s here, and don’t assume you’ll circle back to it later.

After Prep, she went to Gonzaga University for both undergrad and law school, finishing law school in 1991. She studied criminal justice as an undergraduate.

While in law school, she worked as a judicial assistant, which gave her a practical look at the court system early on. In 1992, she joined the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office and eventually led the burglary and property team.

Her path from there was steady. She became a court commissioner in 1998, working in District and Municipal courts. In 2002, she was appointed to fill a District Court vacancy and later elected to the position. After several years on the District Court bench, she moved to Superior Court, where she now handles a range of civil and criminal cases.

But some of the most meaningful moments in her courtroom don’t make headlines. Over the years, Annette has been involved in completing countless adoptions — presiding over the joyful, often emotional proceedings that officially unite families. She has also officiated weddings, standing with couples as they begin their lives together.

She’s also made small changes to make the courtroom feel more human. Knowing how intimidating court can be, especially for children, she started bringing her dog, Tubby, to the courthouse. Tubby—and sometimes another dog, and occasionally his “dog-nephew,” Charlie—help take the edge off for families waiting for hearings or going through adoption proceedings. It’s a small touch that brings enormous joy and reassurance during life-changing moments, reflecting Annette’s compassion as much as her professionalism.

She believes the supportive environment, close community, and values she absorbed at Gonzaga Prep helped shape the confidence and passion that carry her through her judicial responsibilities today.