Today, Seattle Municipal Court wraps up its series “Who’s Who at SMC” that has been introducing you to the people behind the scenes who make the day-to-day interactions at the court function. Our final person for you to meet is Margaret McCurdy, a therapeutic courts coordinator for the court. In this months-long series, you have met a marshal, court clerk, bailiff, court cashier, jury coordinator, probation counselor, magistrate and the court’s chief clerk.
What does a therapeutic courts coordinator at SMC do?
Well, I am still defining the role a bit, as it was recently reorganized into a different team at the court. I have an extensive background as a leader in social work but have only been at SMC since January. I previously worked at King County Superior Court/Family Court Services where I conducted assessments on domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse. I have also worked at Virginia Mason, the University of Washington’s Children’s Response Center and the Defender Association.
My main goal is to ensure that all court staff understand the benefits and functionality of the Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. Each day brings a unique set of tasks, from attending various court calendars to participating in meetings—whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly. A key focus of my role is to enhance communication across all stakeholders, including the King County Department of Public Defense, Seattle City Attorney, and the broader Seattle community. By increasing awareness of the referral process, baseline program requirements, and overall capabilities, I aim to streamline participation in these specialized courts.
As I continue to settle into this role, I anticipate a steady rhythm to my daily tasks. While each day presents new challenges, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a system that prioritizes recovery and supports individuals navigating the legal system. The coming months will be focused on building stronger partnerships, refining program operations, and ensuring that all parties involved have the have the tools and knowledge necessary to continue making a meaningful impact.
Is there a project you are involved in right now that you’re especially proud of?
I’m currently developing project proposals for potential funding opportunities over the next several months. This aspect of my role requires extensive collaboration and communication with funders to align with the court’s initiatives with available resources.
The funding for my position is provided by the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC). This financial support ensures that SMC can continue to deliver critical services to individuals engaged in SMC’s Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court, fostering their journey toward wellness and recovery.
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill to set aside $7.4 million to support specialized court programs. This funding was crucial in providing legal and rehabilitative services for those who need them. SMC was one of the courts that applied for and received grant money from the AOC.
Now, this funding has been added to the state’s operating budget permanently. News out of Olympia this legislative session has been about a state budget shortfall, so I am especially interested in advocating for more resources to keep these programs strong and expand their impact.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, 17-year-old daughter, and my large extended family. I love being outdoors, taking walks, gardening, and being near the water, as well as cooking, baking, and reading.