Full Record
Experience, Service & Recognition
A complete look at the career, community involvement, and recognition behind the campaign.
Download Dave’s Complete Record (PDF)
This plaque tells the story of Dave's judicial robe that is now in a shadow box at Federal Way City Hall.
Servant Leadership
Judge Dave Larson served the people of Federal Way in many ways, but served as one of our municipal court judges from 2008 to 2025.
Judge Larson wore the robe seen here for the first 15 years on the bench in solidarity with taxpayers and the people he saw in court who were struggling with life. He refused to have it replaced and wore it tattered and worn out. It was finally replaced only after the cost of repairs exceeded the cost of a new robe.
The robe is displayed here as a reminder that government officials are the servants, not the masters, of the people.
"All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights."
Washington State Constitution, Article I, Section I.
Professional Record
Education
University of Puget Sound — Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration
Seattle University School of Law — Juris Doctor
Attended law school at night while working full-time for the Pierce County Prosecutor his first two years and with a private law firm his third year of law school
Legal Employment
Judge, Federal Way Municipal Court (2008–2025)
Presiding Judge (2009–2025)
Managed a court and operated as a trial judge
Of Counsel, Williams Kastner (2001–2008)
Complex civil litigation, construction litigation, mass torts litigation
Owner, Litigation Alternatives, Inc. (1998–2001)
Mediation and arbitration firm with 26 contract mediators / arbitrators
Owner, David A. Larson, P.S. (1991–2001)
Civil litigation defense
Associate, Richard J. Jensen and Associates (1988–2001)
Civil litigation defense
Staff Trial Counsel, Safeco Insurance Companies (1985–1988)
Civil litigation defense
Legal Intern, Burgess, Kennedy, Fitzer, and Strombom (1983–1985)
Civil litigation defense, including governmental liability
Legal Intern, Civil Division, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney (1982–1983)
Government liability
Case Controller, Misdemeanor Division, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney (1981–1982)
Managed misdemeanor case scheduling and subpoenas for witnesses
Bar Memberships and Involvement
Washington State Bar Association (1985–present)
Court Rules and Procedures Committee (1996–2003)
Professionalism Committee (2001–2002)
Litigation Section (1985–2008)
Federal District Court — Western District of Washington (1985–present)
King County Bar Association (1985–present)
Finalist — Mentor of the Year (Young Lawyers Division, 2007)
Professionalism Committee — Co-Chair (2005–2007)
Councils of Law — Co-Chair (2005–2007)
Youth and the Law Committee (1986–1987)
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association (1985–2001)
Continuing Legal Education Committee (2001)
Judicial Liaison Committee (1998)
Mandatory Arbitration Committee (1990–1992)
Doctor-Lawyer Liaison Committee (1989–1991)
Continuing Legal Education Committee (1991)
Professional Improvement Committee (1990)
Settlement Now (1990–98)
Mediator
National Institute for Trial Advocacy (1988)
Graduate
Civil Air Patrol
Assistant Washington Wing Legal Officer (2002–2008)
Instructor — National Legal Officer's College (2005)
Municipal Court Task Force — House of Representatives (1999–2000)
Instructor at numerous litigation seminars (1990–2008)
Judicial Memberships and Involvement
District and Municipal Court Judges Association
President's Award (2018)
Council on Independent Courts (2019–2025)
Chair (2023–2024)
Co-Chair (2019–2020)
Legislative Committee (2015–2025)
Judicial Independence Task Force (2017–2018)
Chair — Fire Brigade Subcommittee
Therapeutic Courts Committee (2019–2025)
Public Trust & Confidence Committee, Board of Judicial Administration (2018–2023)
Chair — Internal Education Subcommittee
Judges in the Classroom — Southwest Washington Coordinator
Liaison — ELIAS Electronic Search Warrant Work Group (2014–2015)
Long Range Planning Committee (2009–2015)
Technology Committee (2009–2015)
Legislative Committee (2009–2015)
Liaison — House of Representatives Impaired Driver Workgroup (2011–2015)
Court Improvement Committee (2013–2014)
Liaison — Data Management Steering Committee (2012–2013)
Education Committee (2008–2011)
Rules Committee (2008–2011)
Civic Learning Council (2009–2025)
Boardmember (2009–2025)
Executive Committee (2011–2019)
Formerly Council on Public Legal Education
YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition (2010–2018)
Convener / Founder, South King County District Competition