State Supreme Court Justice Tries Her Hand At Teaching Con Law

Above the Law

by Chris Williams

February 23, 2026

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State Supreme Court Justice Barbra Madsen, known for her extensive experience on the bench, has decided to transition into a new role as an educator after retiring this April. She will teach state constitutional law at both Gonzaga School of Law and Seattle University School of Law, bringing her unique perspective and real-world insights to the classroom. This move is particularly exciting for students and legal educators, as Madsen’s expertise in constitutional law—having authored numerous opinions on the subject—will provide a rare opportunity for learners to engage with someone who has directly shaped legal precedent. The decision for Justice Madsen to teach state constitutional law is rooted in her desire to share her knowledge and experiences. “I’m really excited about teaching law, particularly state constitutional law, since I’ve written so many of the opinions,” she shared. This transition not only highlights her passion for education but also underscores the value of having practitioners with deep judicial experience guide future legal professionals. Students can expect a behind-the-scenes look at the process of crafting legal opinions and balancing ideologies within the court system—a perspective that is typically unavailable unless one clerkships for a judge. For those interested in legal education, Madsen’s role as an educator offers a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice. Her teaching will likely provide students with insights into how state constitutions are interpreted and applied, as well as the challenges of balancing different legal principles and ideologies. Additionally, her background as a Supreme Court Justice promises to enrich discussions on key cases and decisions, offering a firsthand account of the judicial process. This development is significant for several reasons. First, it enhances the quality of legal education by bringing in

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/23/2026