---
title: "Katherine L. Svoboda | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/katherine-l-svoboda-judge-grays-harbor-county-superior-court-8955-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Katherine L. Svoboda

Grays Harbor County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Grays Harbor 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=8955&orgid=414)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=8955&orgid=414)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=8955&orgid=414)
- [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

- The Presiding Judge of the Grays Harbor County Superior Court in Washington, elected in 2020 as the first woman to serve on the county’s bench
- Notable Firsts: First woman elected judge in Grays Harbor County; also first female Prosecuting Attorney in the county’s office (2014–2020)
- Prosecution Career: Joined the Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in 2004 as a deputy; subsequently became the first female Prosecuting Attorney in 2014

### Education

- B.A. in English Language and Literature, Washington State University (1997) J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law (2003)

### Additional information

- Election: Elected in 2020 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Stephen E. Brown
- Early Work: Mortgage underwriter at Timberland Savings Bank before law school; interned with Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office



## 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.