Ballotpedia, Dave Larson

Dave earned his bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Puget Sound and his law degree from Seattle University. He has 2 sons. 

Dave previously worked as a civil trial lawyer and owned a law firm. He also served in the United States Air Force Auxiliary. 

Dave Larson is a judge on the Federal Way Municipal Court. He previously ran for Supreme Court justice in Washington in 2020 and 2016, but he did not win. He has also served on the Federal Way School Board.

As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issues search and arrest warrants, and determines sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.

As a civil trial lawyer, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients.

- As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving traffic offenses and local ordinance violations, conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases, issues search and arrest warrants, and determines sentencing in certain minor criminal cases.
- As a civil trial lawyer, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

Believes in protecting individual rights and upholding the state and federal constitutions as written.

Supports judicial independence and has worked to improve the justice system, earning the President’s Award from the District and Municipal Court Judges Association in 2018.

Supports following state and federal constitutions as written and opposes "legislating from the bench."

- Believes in protecting individual rights and upholding the state and federal constitutions as written.
- Supports judicial independence. 
- Opposes "legislating from the bench."

Judicial Philosophy

As of October 7, 2024, Dave Larson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Serves on the board of the Civic Learning Council, a statewide group promoting civics education.

Has helped teach Street Law at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way since 2009 and frequently appears in other classrooms at all grade levels throughout the South Puget Sound.

Has helped teach Street Law at Todd Beamer High School and frequently appears in other classrooms at all grade levels. 

Founded and convened the South King County YMCA District High School Mock Trial Competition.

Was a founding board member of the Kiwanis Foundation of Federal Way.

Founded the Aktion Club of Federal Way in 2011, a Kiwanis-based service club for adults with developmental disabilities.

Founded the Aktion Club of Federal Way, a service club for adults with developmental disabilities.

Served on the board of Advancing Leadership.

Taught leadership skills through Advancing Leadership and served on its board. 

- Serves on the board of the Civic Learning Council, a statewide group promoting civics education.
- Has helped teach Street Law at Todd Beamer High School and frequently appears in other classrooms at all grade levels. 
- Founded and convened the South King County YMCA District High School Mock Trial Competition.
- Was a founding board member of the Kiwanis Foundation of Federal Way.
- Founded the Aktion Club of Federal Way, a service club for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Taught leadership skills through Advancing Leadership and served on its board. 

Community Involvement

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Dave Larson

Dave is a judge on the Federal Way Municipal Court. He previously worked as a civil trial lawyer and owned a law firm. He also served in the United States Air Force Auxiliary. 

Dave Larson previously ran for the Supreme Court in 2020 and 2016 but did not win. He has also served on the Federal Way School Board.

Worked as an instructor at the National Legal Officer’s College in 2005.

Served on the Continuing Legal Education Committee in 2001.

Served as a liaison for the ELIAS Electronic Search Warrant Work Group from 2014 to 2015.

As a law student, worked in the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Misdemeanor Division and the Civil Division, gaining experience in criminal and civil law.

Served as an instructor for DUI/impaired driving from 2017 to 2020.

Served on the Continuing Legal Education Committee in 1991.

Believes in making decisions that benefit future generations.

Believes the Supreme Court has exacerbated issues, citing the 2021 Blake decision as an example, saying it "essentially legalized drugs in Washington" and hindered state recovery efforts.

Believes in strong community service and dedication, as reflected by being named Best Community Leader in 2022 and reelected four times.

Supports judicial candidates who respect and uphold state and federal constitutions and individual rights.

Supports the rule of law and believes in upholding the Constitution.

Believes in the importance of having qualified justices serve during critical times.

Served on the Court Improvement Committee in 2013 and 2014.

Supports the election of Judge Dave Larson.

Has two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Believes in maintaining judicial independence, as demonstrated by serving on the Judicial Independence Task Force from 2017 to 2018.

Supports promoting civics education as a member of the board for the Civic Learning Council.

Served on the Board of Judicial Administration from 2018 to 2023.

Serves as chair of the Fire Brigade Subcommittee.

Served as a Deputy Wing Homeland Security Officer from 2003 to 2006.

Serves as a coordinator for Judges in the Classroom, a program that promotes legal education and community involvement by connecting judges with students in local schools.

Believes in strong community involvement, with family members serving as a police officer and a physician.

Served on the Long Range Planning Committee from 2009 to 2015.

Served as a volunteer in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol).

As of October 8, 2024, Dave Larson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Dave Larson is a judge who has served on the Federal Way Municipal Court for over 16 years. He previously worked as a civil trial lawyer for 23 years, including roles as in-house trial counsel, at a private firm, and as the owner of his own law firm.

- The Washington State Supreme Court has nine justices and serves as the final authority on the Washington Constitution and Washington law.
- They interpret laws, review appeals, and issue opinions on cases. They also establish court rules, oversee legal practice, and hear significant public interest cases.
- A candidate must be licensed to practice in Washington to be elected into this office. Justices must retire at the age 75. 
- Justices are elected for six-year terms in nonpartisan elections. Vacancies can be filled by the governor's appointment, with staggered elections ensuring that only some justices are elected each year.
- The chief justice earns $255,495 and associate justices earn $251,8613 per year.