---
title: "Katherine E. Oler | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/katherine-e-oler-dc-superior-court-associate-judge"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Katherine E. Oler

Superior Court of the District of Columbia · Associate Judge

## Profile

- Court: Superior Court of the District of Columbia
- State: District of Columbia
- Role: Associate Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-29

## 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

### recording and rebroadcasting

Scope: courtwide

Recording, photographing, or rebroadcasting a remote Superior Court hearing is not allowed.

Evidence excerpt: Audio and video recording, taking pictures of remote hearings, and sharing the live or recorded remote hearing by rebroadcasting, live-streaming, or otherwise are not allowed.

[Hearing Information](https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/hearing-information)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-judges/oler-katherine-e)
- [Official roster](https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-judges/oler-katherine-e)
- [District of Columbia Courts official judicial roster](https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-judges/oler-katherine-e)
- [Hearing Information](https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/hearing-information)
- [Wikidata: Katherine E. Oler](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126736782)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Katherine Ellsworth Oler is an American judge and lawyer who has served as Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia since July 29, 2024
- In March 2023, Oler was one of three nominees recommended by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission to fill the vacancy left by Judge John M. Campbell’s retirement
- Air Force Judge Advocate, retiring as a colonel (O‐6) after 21 years (1996–2017)
- Staff Judge Advocate at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas (2012–2014)
- First-chair felony prosecutor, defense attorney, and trial judge

### Education

- Boston University School of Law in — J.D. (1996)

### Additional information

- President Joe Biden nominated her on June 28, 2023; her nomination was confirmed by the Senate on June 18, 2024, and she was sworn in on July 29, 2024
- Chief Prosecutor and Chief Government Appellate Counsel at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (2014–2017)
- Born March 2, 1972 in Washington, D.C., and raised in Sandwich, Massachusetts, Oler graduated from Wellesley College in 1993 with a B.A. in English and Political Science, earning first-year distinction for academic excellence
- Oler has served as Chair of the ABA’s Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP), promoting free or affordable legal services to military personnel and families
- She has taught in trial advocacy programs at Harvard Law School, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and the Washington Council of Lawyers
- She is admitted to practice in Florida and the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and U.S. Court of Federal Claims