---
title: "Karen L. Valihura | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/karen-l-valihura-justice-delaware-supreme-court-de"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# Karen L. Valihura

Supreme Court of Delaware · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Delaware
- State: Delaware
- Role: Justice
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## 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

### courthouse photography recording

Scope: statewide

Delaware Judicial Branch operating procedures generally restrict courthouse photography and audio or video recording, subject to limited exceptions.

Evidence excerpt: With limited exceptions, visitors will not be allowed to take photos or record audio or video in the courthouse.

[Operating Procedures for the Delaware Judicial Branch: Facilities](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/operating-procedures/op-facilities.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### courtroom technology coordination

Scope: statewide

Delaware courts publish courtroom technology capabilities, but counsel should direct equipment and setup requests to the applicable court before the proceeding.

Evidence excerpt: If you wish to use any of the technology listed below, please make your request to the appropriate Court prior to trial.

[Courtroom Technology](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/courtroomtechnology.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-30


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/history/justicespast.aspx)
- [Official roster](https://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/history/justicespast.aspx)
- [Delaware Courts official judicial roster](https://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/history/justicespast.aspx)
- [Operating Procedures for the Delaware Judicial Branch: Facilities](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/operating-procedures/op-facilities.aspx)
- [Courtroom Technology](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/courtroomtechnology.aspx)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- After her term ended in July 2026, Valihura became Distinguished Professor of Corporate Law at Wilmington University Farnan School of Law and founding director of its Corporate Law, Governance and Practice Institute.
- Karen Lynn Valihura is an American lawyer and jurist who held the role of a Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court from July 25, 2014, to July 25, 2026, appointed by Governor Jack Markell to replace Justice Jack B. Jacobs
- In October 2019, she acted as Chief Justice for one day when the Chief Justice was unavailable
- Before joining the judiciary, Valihura was a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP from 1989 to 2014
- Law clerk to Judge Robert E. Cowen, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- Served a full 12-year term, making her the longest-serving justice on the court at the time of her retirement

### Education



### Additional information

- Nominated in June 2014 and confirmed unanimously by the Delaware Senate.
- Born May 16, 1963.
- focusing on complex commercial and corporate governance disputes, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and transactional litigation.