---
title: "Nelson K.H. Lee | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/nelson-k-h-lee-judge-king-county-superior-court-11636-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Nelson K.H. Lee

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=11636&orgid=191)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11636&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=11636&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

- Judge Lee assumed office in 2020, and his current term runs through January 9, 2029
- Governor Jay Inslee appointed Nelson Lee to the King County Superior Court on February 18, 2020, filling the vacancy left by Judge Bill Bowman

### Education

- Pepperdine University School of Law — J.D.
- Bachelor’s degree, Boston College

### Additional information

- He won re-election for Department 19 in 2024, with the primary and general elections canceled, effectively securing the position without appearing on the ballot.
- Judge Nelson K.H. Lee presides over Department 19 of the King County Superior Court in Washington State.
- Dispositive motions are typically scheduled on Friday mornings, and parties must comply with court rules when submitting working copies or proposed orders.
- Some media coverage has highlighted cases where Judge Lee, along with other judges, has been perceived as lenient in criminal matters, particularly involving juveniles.
- These reports reflect public commentary on his judicial decisions but do not provide a comprehensive assessment of his overall judicial record.
- Before his appointment, Lee managed his own law firm, Lee & Lee, PS, in Seattle for ten years
- He handles a variety of cases, including civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law matters.
- He also performs weddings Monday through Friday at 4:30 PM and on weekends, with appointments coordinated through his bailiff.
- Judge Lee’s extensive experience as both a prosecutor and private attorney, combined with his leadership roles in legal organizations, contributes to his qualifications and approach on the bench.
- Prior to founding his firm, he served 17 years as a senior deputy prosecuting attorney for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, supervising the Special Assault Unit and co-chairing the Special Drug Unit.
- focusing on immigration, personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal defense cases.
- Asian Bar Association of Washington — past president



## 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.