---
title: "Vini E. Samuel | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/vini-e-samuel-judge-grays-harbor-county-superior-court-11350-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Vini E. Samuel

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=11350&orgid=414)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11350&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=11350&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

- Vini Elizabeth Samuel is a Judge of the Grays Harbor County Superior Court in Washington, serving as Position No. 2 and elected through a nonpartisan process
- The court is located in Montesano, WA, and is committed to fair, impartial, and timely justice

### Education

- B.A. from Western Washington University (1994) and a J.D. from Seattle University (1997).

### Additional information

- In 2015, she became the first female mayor of Montesano and the first Indian-American woman elected mayor in the U.S., serving two terms.
- Began her legal career in Grays Harbor in 1997, opening a solo practice in 2004.
- Practiced in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, and also in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, and Quinault Tribal Courts.
- Listed alongside Presiding Judge Katherine L. Svoboda and Judge Steven G. Jackson.
- directory, Samuel is selected by nonpartisan election for her judicial position.
- Her community service includes roles in local government, education, and nonprofit organizations, as well as leadership in the Council of Governments and Grays Harbor College’s Paramedic Program.
- One of three judges on the Grays Harbor County Superior Court, which handles serious criminal cases, civil disputes, family law, probate, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- She has been active on the bench and is recognized in official court staff listings.
- Born in Kerala, India, Samuel immigrated to Juneau, Alaska, at age six, later residing in Montesano, WA.



## 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.