Attorney and Judge Pro Tem Nyjat Rose-Akins announced a campaign for King County District Court, West Division, Position 4, citing more than 16 years of legal experience in criminal prosecution, civil litigation and judicial service.
Rose-Akins currently serves as a court commissioner pro tem in King County and previously worked as an assistant Seattle city attorney in both the criminal and civil divisions. Rose-Akins said the decision to run is grounded in extensive courtroom experience and a commitment to fairness, preparation and respect for those who appear before the court.
“I am an experienced trial attorney and Judge Pro Tem committed to fair, thoughtful, and dignified justice,” said Rose-Akins. “For more than a decade, I served as an Assistant Seattle City Attorney, handling hundreds of cases and making decisions that affect public safety, individual liberty, and community trust. I approach the bench with deep respect for the weight of judicial decision-making and a belief in individualized justice.”
King County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, civil matters and protection orders. As a court commissioner pro tem, Rose-Akins adjudicates civil protection order matters, including domestic violence, anti-harassment, anti-stalking and sexual assault protection orders. Rose-Akins also presides over contested Involuntary Treatment Act hearings, which address behavioral health crises and questions of civil commitment.
In that role, Rose-Akins ensures procedural fairness and legal compliance while managing cases that often involve urgent public safety and mental health concerns. Rose-Akins described a judicial philosophy rooted in disciplined, impartial decision-making that emphasizes listening carefully, deliberating thoughtfully and issuing decisions without ego or bias.
Before serving on the bench, Rose-Akins spent more than a decade as an assistant Seattle city attorney. In the criminal division, Rose-Akins handled hundreds of cases and tried more than 50 jury trials in Seattle Municipal Court. Rose-Akins also worked with participants in therapeutic courts, including Mental Health Court and Community Court, focusing on accountability and rehabilitation for nonviolent criminal behavior.
In the civil division, Rose-Akins advised and defended the city on matters that included police accountability, homelessness and neighborhood concerns. Rose-Akins said that experience strengthened the ability to evaluate complex legal and policy issues with balance and objectivity.
“My awareness of how a criminal case impacts victims, defendants, families, and the community has deepened through my service on the bench,” Rose-Akins added. “Judicial responsibility requires humility, preparation, and a steadfast commitment to fairness.”
Rose-Akins is the only candidate in the race rated Extremely Well-Qualified by the Asian Bar Association, Filipino Bar Association of Washington, Korean American Bar Association of Washington, Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington, South Asian Bar Alliance of Washington and Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington. The King County Bar Association and the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington rated Rose-Akins Exceptionally Well-Qualified.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Rose-Akins immigrated to the United States at age 7. Rose-Akins earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in international business and finance from Howard University and a law degree from Seattle University School of Law. Rose-Akins lives in Seattle with a spouse.
