Judge Tenaya Scheinman

Courtroom Number: E-733
Bailiff: Raven Dumas
Department: 45
Assignment: Criminal

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Biography

Judge Tenaya Scheinman was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench on May 1, 2026, by Governor Bob Ferguson.  She is the third judge in Department 45, following Hon. James Rogers (2005 - 2026) and Hon. Robert Alsdorf (1990 - 2005).  She is a graduate of Swarthmore College and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Judge Scheinman began her legal career in the Seattle office of a global law firm.  Her practice focused on litigating complex commercial, and securities fraud matters in state and federal court.   She was also recognized for her pro bono work.  She then spent 16 years as a public defender at The Defender Association (a division of the King County Department of Public Defense).  As a public defender, she represented indigent clients in misdemeanor, felony, and mental health involuntary commitments.  Most recently, she worked for the King County Inquest Program, presenting evidence to juries investigating deaths involving law enforcement.  She also served as judge pro tem in King County District Court, Snohomish County District Court, and Edmonds Municipal Court.

In her free time, Judge Scheinman can usually be found outside, looking for birds or riding her bicycle.