ABOUT Judge Bardi Martin
RAISED IN SERVICE • GROUNDED in king county
Judge Bardi Martin has spent his life in the King County community he now serves. Adopted at three weeks old, his family was committed to public service, and Bardi grew up with their service as a daily example. His mother was a public school teacher, and his father worked for Seattle City Light, was a combat decorated veteran, and later an Army reservist. His Puerto Rican heritage, experience as an adoptee, and own family story have shaped his deep respect for the different lives, backgrounds, and circumstances people bring into court.
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Bardi graduated from the University of Washington, earned his law degree from Seattle University School of Law, built his career in King County courtrooms, and chose to raise his own family in the community the shaped his life.
Lessons from Music​
Before entering the law, Bardi spent his first career as a professional musician and recording artist. For him, music became an education in discipline, preparation, humility, and close attention to others. It required him to listen deeply, collaborate in real time, and understand how each person’s role affects the whole. That work strengthened his patience, perspective, and respect for the different stories people bring into a room.
A Career Built in King County Courtrooms
Bardi began his legal career as a public defender, protecting the constitutional rights of people who could not afford counsel. In that role, he saw firsthand how intimidating the legal system can be, especially for people without money, power, or familiarity with the courts.
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He later built a successful Seattle law practice representing individuals and small businesses in civil and criminal matters. That work gave him broad experience with the legal issues people and local businesses face every day, and it reinforced the importance of courts that are clear, accessible, and fair.
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Before joining the District Court, Bardi also served as a judge pro tem on hundreds of calendars, gaining experience from both sides of the bench and developing the steady, practical judgment he now brings to his courtroom.
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Service on the Bench
Unanimously appointed by the King County Council to the District Court, Judge Martin now presides over criminal calendars, protection orders, small claims, and civil cases. He brings broad courtroom experience, careful preparation, and deep respect for every person who comes before the court.
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Judge Martin also presides over Community Court for the cities of Shoreline and Kenmore, a program that addresses the root causes of low-level offenses through accountability, treatment, services, and community connection.
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As a member of the King County District Court Security Committee, Judge Martin works to help ensure courthouses are safe and accessible for everyone who walks through the door.
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The Way Courts Earn Trust
On the bench, Judge Martin is committed to maintaining a courtroom that is organized, respectful, and clear. He listens carefully, explains rulings plainly, applies the law fairly, and treats every person with dignity.
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Judge Martin believes public safety and equal justice are not competing values. They depend on each other. Courts earn public trust when they are fair, functional, accessible, and accountable to the communities they serve.
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Safe communities require courts that work, courts that listen, and courts that people can trust.