John F. McHale at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
John F. McHale
Judge · King County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Elected judge of the King County Superior Court in Washington, assigned to Department 43, and has served on the bench since January 9, 2017
- Originally from Louisiana, he began his legal career in King County in 1990 as a law clerk/bailiff for retired Superior Court Judge Terrence Carroll
- He also serves as the Court’s Sponsor of the YMCA Law and Government High School Mock Trial Program, supporting youth engagement with the justice system
Education
Additional information
- Elected to the bench in 2017, succeeding the retired Hon. William Downing.
- Private practice civil litigation
- McHale has emphasized civility, respect, and fairness in litigation, expecting opposing counsel to treat each other courteously and to work toward just resolutions.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
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.
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 judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
King County - Superior Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗