---
title: "Theodore J. Angelis | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/theodore-j-angelis-justice-supreme-court-12791-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Theodore J. Angelis

Supreme Court of Washington · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Washington
- State: Washington
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active
- 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

### 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/appellate_trial_courts/supremecourt/?fa=supremecourt.justices)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supremecourt/?fa=supremecourt.justices)
- [Washington State Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supremecourt/?fa=supremecourt.justices)
- [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

- Co-authoring the World Justice Project’s founding white paper
- Supreme Court of Washington, succeeding Justice Barbara Madsen
- His judicial philosophy emphasizes equal access to justice, respect for the courts, constitutional fidelity, and judicial independence

### Education

- Yale Law School, editor of The Yale Law Journal — J.D. (1999)

### Additional information

- The first person of Middle Eastern descent to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court, appointed by Governor Bob Ferguson on March 9, 2026, and taking office April 4, 2026.
- Founders Award (2018, KIND) for pro bono work with children in immigration cases
- ACLU Humanitarian Award (2017) for class action litigation securing counsel for children in immigration proceedings
- Citizen of the Year (2016, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church)
- Born Theodore John Angelis in 1972, he is the son of a Greek Orthodox priest and grandson of Turkish refugees.
- For 26 years at K&L Gates, Angelis led the firm’s appellate and intellectual property practices
- representing major U.S. and Asian companies.
- Appellate and trial cases on constitutional issues, IP, internet crimes, tribal claims, and public entity liability
- Editing the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual for over a decade, funding Neighborhood Clinics
- He clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Stephen F. Williams before joining K&L Gates LLP in Seattle.
- Extensive pro bono service for children denied counsel, veterans, refugees, small businesses, and homeless individuals
- He lives in Seattle with his family and continues to advocate for access to justice, constitutional rights, and fair, independent courts.
- He has held leadership roles in the King County Bar Association, Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington (MELAW), and the M. Margaret McKeown Bar Association.



## 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.