King County Mourns Passing Of Judge Frank V. LaSalata

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news that Judge Frank V. LaSalata passed away Sept. 1. He was respected and admired by his co-workers, peers and the attorneys who practiced before him.

Judge LaSalata  has served as  a King County District Court judge in the Northeast Division since 2006. Prior to that time he served for over eight years as a judge pro-tempore in King County and San Juan County District and Superior courts.

In 2009 Judge LaSalata was elected by his fellow District and Municipal Court  Judges throughout the State of Washington to serve on the Board of Governors of the Washington State District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association (DMCJA) and he was the Vice-President of that organization at the time of his death. Judge LaSalata also served as a member of the Legislative Committee of the DMCJA and on the Washington State Board of Judicial Administration’s (BJA) Trial Court Operations Funding Committee.

Judge LaSalata has served as a volunteer for the King County Kid’s Court program, a nationally acclaimed program that assists child victims of sexual abuse (King County Kids Court Program).

Judge LaSalata was a graduate of Washington State University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree and always remained an avid Cougar fan. Judge LaSalata obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law), and prior to his election to the King County District Court practiced law as a criminal defense attorney in both King and San Juan Counties. Judge LaSalata is survived by three adult sons and seven grandchildren.

Judge LaSalata was tremendously proud to serve as judge in his community. His dedication to justice and fairness could be seen in every aspect of his work.  He was always willing to take on projects and he worked diligently to make them a success. He will be greatly missed.

—Corinna Harn, Chief Presiding Judge King County District Court