Judge Kent Liu - Superior Court

• Courtroom Number: W-864
• Bailiff: Phillip Hennings
• Department: 20
• Assignment: Criminal

Biography

Judge Kent Liu was appointed to the King County Superior Court by Governor Bob Ferguson in June 2025. Judge Liu brings more than three decades of public service to the bench. Judge Liu served nearly 17 years with the Washington State Attorney General's Office, where he prosecuted complex criminal cases, defended state agencies, and led civil commitment proceedings for sexually violent predators. He served as the inaugural chief of the Organized Retail Crime Unit, overseeing statewide investigations and prosecutions targeting coordinated retail theft and trafficking networks.

Prior to joining the Attorney General's Office, Judge Liu served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, prosecuting firearm and violent crimes in federal court. He also spent 12 years as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Pierce County, handling cases involving homicide, sexual assault, and drug and firearm offenses.

Born in Taiwan, Judge Liu grew up in Seattle and graduated from Nathan Hale high school. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and his law degree from Seattle University School of Law. Throughout his career, he has been committed to community engagement, including volunteer work with the King County Bar Association's Neighborhood Legal Clinic in Seattle's International District. A proud son of immigrants, Judge Liu draws inspiration from his family's resilience and sacrifices, which instilled in him a deep respect for justice, fairness, and public service

Weddings

Judge Liu performs weddings Monday through Friday at the courthouse starting at 4:30pm. Please contact his bailiff Phillip Hennings at Liu.Court@kingcounty.gov for additional details. Judge Liu speaks conversational Mandarin.