Judy grew up in Eastern Washington and attended nursing school at the University of Washington graduating magna cum laude in 1973. She went on to obtain her Masters in Nursing in 1974 at the University of California at San Francisco. After practicing nursing in San Francisco and teaching nursing at the University of San Francisco, Judy went on to attend law school at Golden Gate University graduating in 1980.

After moving back to Seattle, Judy became active in the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and served as its President from 2003-2004. She also served as Chair of the Litigation Section of the Washington State Bar Association and Special Discipline Counsel. Judy has handled numerous medical malpractice cases as well as birth injury cases resulting in successful settlements and verdicts.

Judy continues to serve in a leadership capacity with the Washington State Bar Association as Chairperson of the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection. Her professional honors include a listing in Who's Who, a recognition by her peers with an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell and long-time selection as a "Super Lawyer" by Washington Law and Politics.