---
title: "Ketu Shah | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/ketu-shah-judge-king-county-superior-court-11331-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Ketu Shah

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=11331&orgid=191)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11331&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=11331&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

- The Presiding Judge for King County Superior Court in Washington, appointed in 2019, with a career spanning judicial, legal, and community service roles
- Legal Practice: Owner of Ketu Shah Law Offices (Bellevue, WA, 2000–2013), specializing in immigration and civil matters
- Law clerk to Hon. Carol Schapira, King County Superior Court (1994–1997)
- Former Chief Criminal Judge, Assistant Presiding Judge, and Chief Judge at Maleng Regional Justice Center
- Volunteer judge for multiple law schools and youth legal programs

### Education

- University of Minnesota Law School — Managing Editor, Journal of Law and Inequality — J.D. (1994)
- Whitman College — B.A. (1990)

### Additional information

- Co‐chair of SCJA Education Committee since 2017
- Judicial Service: King County District Court (2013–2019) — presided over Regional Mental Health Court and Regional Veterans Court.
- Recipient of 2008 Community Award, South Asian Bar Association.
- Community & Advocacy: Extensive pro bono work with API Chaya, REWA, Immigrant Family Advocacy Project, and ELAP.
- Assistant city attorney for Vancouver and Seattle.
- Board member and Treasurer, Washington Judges Foundation; member of Minority and Justice Commission.



## 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.