By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Erika J. Evans was sworn in today at Seattle City Hall as the city’s new City Attorney, making history as both the first African American and the first African American woman to hold the position. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for Seattle’s legal system and reflected a broader moment of change and representation within city leadership.
Evans brings to the office a deep commitment to public service, extensive legal experience, and a lifelong connection to community-centered justice. She is the granddaughter of Olympian Lee Evans, who won two gold medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics while setting world records in the 400 meters and the 4×400 relay. Evans credits her family, particularly her grandmother, with shaping her understanding of courage and accountability. Her grandmother helped organize human rights demonstrations during the 1968 Olympic Games, reinforcing lessons about standing up for justice and community.
During her swearing-in remarks, Evans expressed gratitude to the leaders who guided her and to the voters who entrusted her with the role of Seattle’s top city attorney.
“We made history together,” said Evans. “We believed in what this office can be when we lead with compassion, accountability, and the right laser focus.”
“You all made this possible,” Evans continued. “I want to thank the leaders that you just heard from, Judge Richard Jones, who has been a mentor and guide to me in every step in my career transition. To our Attorney General Nick Brown, who makes history time and time again, thank you for everything you are doing to protect us here in Washington.”
Growing up in a working-class household, Evans experienced firsthand how access to opportunity and fairness can be uneven, and how deeply the legal system can shape people’s lives. Those early experiences influenced her decision to pursue a career in law and public service. Evans earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and later received her law degree from Seattle University School of Law.
Her legal career began at the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, where she served as an Assistant City Prosecutor and later as an Assistant City Attorney. She went on to work at the federal level as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Department of Justice’s Terrorism and Violent Crimes Unit. Evans also served as the office’s Civil Rights Coordinator until March 2025. In addition, she has held roles as a pro tem municipal court judge in three jurisdictions across Washington state.
Beyond her courtroom experience, Evans has played an influential role in legal leadership and mentorship. She is a past president of the Loren Miller Bar Association, one of the nation’s oldest and largest minority bar associations, and serves as a co-chair of the Washington Leadership Institute, a program dedicated to developing emerging leaders across the state.
Evans’ work has earned recognition throughout her career. She has received the Seattle University School of Law Black Law Students Association Alumni of the Year Award and was named a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Reflecting on her journey to this moment, Evans described her path as one grounded in service rather than recognition.
“It wasn’t about the applause, it was about the sacrifice and taking a risk, just so that things might be better for other people,” said Evans. “It is that legacy, regarding the work of my parents and grandparents, that I carry forward and why I am standing here today. My career was grounded in public service, from serving as a city prosecutor, a defense lawyer in this very office, serving as a pro tem judge, and most recently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney, which was my dream job that shifted with the new Trump administration.”
“And when we were seeing clear rollbacks in civil rights, I knew I needed to make a decision just like my grandfather did to stand up and fight back at what was happening,” Evans added.
As City Attorney, Evans has pledged to strengthen public trust in the legal system, advance community-centered approaches to public safety, and respond with urgency to unlawful acts that threaten Seattle’s values. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that the City Attorney’s Office serves residents with integrity, compassion, and effectiveness.
The swearing-in ceremony drew strong support from legal and civic leaders across the region. Among those in attendance were Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, and Federal Judge Richard Jones.
Barnes spoke about Evans’ leadership and collaborative approach, noting his involvement in her transition process.
“On this occasion, I think for our city, it is a good step forward to have people who have different perspectives about how to make our city safe, and I look forward to working with City Attorney Evans,” said Barnes. “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of her transition team, and what I found is that she’s willing to listen to different perspectives, and she’s surrounding herself with some very good people who really believe in the mission, which is to provide safety for our communities.”
Jones, who administered the oath of office, expressed pride in Evans and the significance of her appointment.
“It was an amazing opportunity to administer the oath to Erika Evans, as the new City Attorney,” said Jones. “She’s going to make history and she’s going to represent the entirety of the City of Seattle.”
Attorney General Nick Brown, who has known Evans and her work for more than a decade, shared his confidence in her leadership.
“I was incredibly excited for Erika and for the City of Seattle,” said Brown. “She’s the right person at the right time and I think we’re going to be in good hands with her leadership.”
