Josh Schaer’s journey to public service began with resilience and empathy. After his family lost nearly everything in a fire during their move to Washington in 1988, Josh saw firsthand the power of community support and social services in rebuilding lives. That experience shaped his lifelong belief in fairness and compassion—values that continue to guide his work in the courtroom and beyond.
From his early days at Interlake High School and Bellevue College’s Running Start program to earning his law degree from the University of Washington, Josh has always believed in service through action.
During law school, he:
He even became the first UW Law student to complete two concentration tracks—Intellectual Property and Health Care Law—simultaneously.
Since passing the Bar in 2001, Josh has built a career marked by dedication to justice and fairness.
Advocated for individuals in Seattle and King County District Courts.
Twice elected to the Issaquah City Council, where he chaired the Infrastructure Committee and Eastside Transportation Partnership regional board.
Represented individuals, families, and businesses in complex civil cases.
Currently serves as an appellate advisor and division liaison to the Department of Social and Health Services and Health Care Authority.
Over his 25-year career, Josh has represented clients in more than 50 jury trials and appeared before courts at every level—including the Washington Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and courts across the state.
Josh has also served as a Judge Pro Tem in Eastside courts, including:
King County District Court, Mercer Island, Issaquah, and Kirkland Municipal Courts.
He’s presided over a wide range of hearings—from arraignments to motions, probation reviews, and small claims—earning a reputation for fairness, preparation, and respect.
Beyond his legal work, Josh remains deeply engaged in his community. He has volunteered with and served in organizations such as:
Whether mentoring students or judging mock trials, Josh’s approach is the same: to empower others and give back to the community that supported him.
Josh and his wife—who serves as the Assistant Director of Student Well-Being at a school in Kirkland—live on the Eastside with their three children. Their family is active in school, sports, and local community events. When not in the courtroom or volunteering, Josh enjoys spending time with his kids, cheering on his son's soccer academy games, and listening to his youngest daughter sing songs from Frozen.
Josh’s professional excellence has been recognized by peers and organizations alike, earning “Exceptionally Well-Qualified” ratings from the King County Bar Association, Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee, Latino/a Bar Association of Washington, and QLaw.
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