Ankita Mishra, JD
Ankita Mishra is a dedicated Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Criminal Misdemeanor Division at the Pierce County District Court in Washington. In her role as a Trial Attorney, she manages a full courtroom caseload, including criminal jury trials, motion hearings, and post-disposition cases. Her work reflects a deep commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, ensuring that each case receives thorough attention and thoughtful advocacy.
Ankita earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Seattle University School of Law and successfully passed the Washington State Bar Examination, securing her license to practice in the state. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Law (B.B.A. LL.B. Hons.) from India, an equivalent qualification to a J.D., which laid the foundation for her passion in criminal law, family law, and international human rights. Her academic and professional pursuits demonstrate her dedication to both legal excellence and continuous learning.
Beyond her courtroom work, Ankita actively engages in community and professional development. She has contributed as a Student Ambassador and Research Assistant at Seattle University, participated in legal clinics addressing human rights issues, and served in internships at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Supreme Court of India. Outside of law, she enjoys sports, dance, and music, and embraces opportunities to connect with others, striving every day to grow both professionally and personally.
• Washington State Bar Association
• Financial Modeling and Valuation
• Business Communication Skills
• Green Revolution Global Certification Program
• Beginner's Trading Certification
• Seattle University School of Law - JD
• O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) - B.B.A. LL.B.
• Jnana Sweekar PU College, Bangalore
• Delhi Public School - Bangalore South
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, adaptability, and a deep passion for justice. Inspired by my family’s background in law enforcement, I pursued a law degree in India and navigated an uncertain legal landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic by enrolling in a Global Accelerator JD program in the United States, which qualified me to practice law here. Today, I serve as a trial prosecuting attorney at the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, handling primarily misdemeanor cases, and have passed the Uniform Bar Examination, allowing me to practice in over 30 U.S. jurisdictions. I am now pursuing New York State Bar admission to expand my professional reach, reflecting my commitment to growth, resilience, and making a meaningful impact in the legal field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is “Don’t wait to be perfect, just start.” I recall this guidance from an early mentor who reminded me that waiting for the “right time” or for complete readiness often holds back great potential. Especially in law, it’s easy to get caught up in credentials, preparation, and overthinking. Real growth, she explained, happens when you show up, learn as you go, and allow yourself to evolve through experience. This advice has shaped my approach to challenges, encouraging me to embrace opportunities and progress through action rather than perfection.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be confident, be kind and ask for help. I believe confidence is a skill, not a trait, and approaching others with humility and clarity can open unexpected doors. Networking is essential for building reliability and pursuing your passion, so I encourage young professionals, especially women and international students, to reach out to potential mentors without hesitation. Most people are willing to help if you just ask, and in every professional setting, leading with kindness is remembered far more than titles or accolades.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the persistent issue of case backlogs. The pandemic has compounded delays in court proceedings, leaving many defendants in prolonged pre-trial detention. It’s not just a delay in justice, it’s a burden on attorneys, public defenders and prosecutors alike, and a risk to fair representation. Managing these caseloads while maintaining quality legal representation remains one of the most difficult and often overlooked aspects of criminal justice today.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life include connection, perseverance, and service. I deeply value legal networking, which I actively pursue through organizations like the Tacoma Women’s Bar Association and the Round Glass Foundation Research Center, supporting the Indian-American diaspora. Networking doesn’t always come naturally, but it is essential most people are willing to support and guide, especially in this profession. I also believe in the importance of follow-ups after events, and I credit one of my longtime mentors from India for providing consistent support during my transition into U.S. practice.