---
title: "David L. Whedbee | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-l-whedbee-judge-king-county-superior-court-11139-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# David L. Whedbee

King County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: King County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.

Evidence excerpt: Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judge

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### limitations on recording

Scope: statewide

If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.

Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11139&orgid=191)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11139&orgid=191)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11139&orgid=191)
- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Nonpartisan judge on Department 1 of the King County Superior Court in Washington, appointed in 2019 and serving until 2029, with a background in civil rights law and public service
- Law clerkships for U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan (E.D. La.) and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Ronald M. Gould (9th Cir.)

### Education

- University of Washington School of Law — J.D. (2004)
- in French and German literature, magna cum laude, Pomona College — B.A.

### Additional information

- He was a board member and cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Washington, serving as its Washington representative to the National Board in 2018.
- Paraplegic after a 1997 rock climbing accident and has been active in disability law advocacy.
- M.A. in International History, London School of Economics (1997)
- On the bench, Judge Whedbee emphasizes improving access to Washington courts, physically and otherwise, and serves on the Courts and Community and Local Rules Committees.
- All‐American scholar‐athlete in soccer



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.