Kenneth H. Kato

Kenneth H. Kato

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 50 years

Mediation Lawyer at Spokane, WA
Practice Areas: Mediation, Civil Rights, Arbitration ... +2 more

1020 N Washington St, Spokane, WA

About Kenneth

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Mediation 40%

18 years | 20 cases

40%
Civil Rights 20%

18 years | 5 cases

20%
Arbitration 15%

18 years | 4 cases

15%
Personal Injury 15%

18 years | 10 cases

15%
Appeals 10%

I handled over 30 appeals as the appellate lawyer at Huppin Ewing. In 17 years, I decided over 100 cases/year as a Court of Appeals Commissioner and Judge. I have decided to expand my practice to do appeals work.

48 years | 1,800 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-350 per hour

Contingency

33%-50%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 50 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1975

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office Of Kenneth H. Kato

1020 N Washington St, Spokane, WA, 99201-2237

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Kenneth H. Kato's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

2 Client Reviews

5 star (2)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

A true gem

Judge Kato is the best. I was left in the middle of an appeal by another attorney who made a mess of the case and took over 70K. I was extremely fortunate to know Judge Kato, who helped me so much without expectation. He is knowledgeable, kind, and has a terrific grasp of the law. Attorneys are not ...made like that anymore. I highly recommend him.

Posted by Alicia | May 27, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Honest, smart and trustworthy

I've talked with Ken several times over the years and his advise was always spot on. He told me what was realistic and didn't sugar coat anything, he was 100% right. I'd trust him for anything

See All Client Reviews

Kenneth H. Kato's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kenneth
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Kenneth. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Timothy B. Fennessy headshot
Timothy Fennessy

Appeals lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a former Judge on both the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals benches, Ken has the experience, knowledge and insight to help any appellant."

Thomas G Jarrard headshot
Thomas Jarrard

Appeals lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Judge Ken Kato (ret) for State appeals... his years on the bench, in trial courts and at the Court of Appeals, gives him unique insight and experience which makes him an excellent appellate attorney."

Samuel Benton Gordon headshot
Samuel Gordon

Appeals lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Kato assisted me in a very unique case that required a specific skill that few people can offer. Mr. Kato has been advising me and my client directly on a sensitive issue that requires intense legal strategy and delicate client relations in order to succeed. Ken Kato has been incredibly generous with his time and knowledge throughout this process and I am grateful that he is willing to work with me on an ongoing basis. I highly recommend this attorney, have sent clients to him for representation, and will continue to do so."

F. Dayle Andersen Jr. headshot
F. Dayle Andersen

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Judge Kato is an excellent resource for a broad range of legal matters, ranging across the board. He is skilled advocate and understanding of complex legal issues. I fully endorse Ken Kato's legal abilities."

View All Endorsements
Benjamin D Platt headshot
Benjamin Platt

Family lawyer

Thomas G Jarrard headshot
Thomas Jarrard

Military law lawyer

Samuel Benton Gordon headshot
Samuel Gordon

Family lawyer

F. Dayle Andersen Jr. headshot
F. Dayle Andersen

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2000

Trailblazer Award, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

1998

Judge of the Year, Asian Bar Association of Washington

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Kenneth H. Kato

1997 - 2007

Judge, Washington Court of Appeals

1996 - 1997

Judge, Spokane County Superior Court

1989 - 1991

Adjunct Professor, Gonzaga University School of Law

1988 - 1995

Court Commissioner, Washington Court of Appeals

1985 - 1988

Hearing Examiner, Washington State Personnel Appeals Board

1975 - 1988

Associate and Principal, Huppin Ewing

Associations

2008 - Present

American Arbitration Association

Neutral

2007 - Present

Washington State Bar Association Board of Bar Examiners

Examiner

2007 - Present

Washington State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Member

2006 - Present

American Law Institute

Elected member

1997 - Present

Washington State Minority and Justice Commission

Member

1995 - Present

Asian Bar Association of Washington

Member

1995 - Present

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Member

1975 - Present

Spokane County Bar Association

Member

1975 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2007 - 2008

Washington State Bar Association Litigation Section

Member

2005 - 2008

Washington Leadership Institute Advisory Board

Board Member

Education

1975

University of Washington School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1971

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2008

Washington Leadership Institute Session VII

Leadership in Smaller Communities

2008

Washington Leadership Institute Session VI

The Private v. Public Sector Dilemma

2008

Statewide Diversity Conference

Becoming a Judge

2008

BFDRC In-Training for Mediators

Mediating family law cases

2007

Mid-Year Litigation Section Conference

Diversity and Court Proceedings

2007

Eastside Diversity Conference

Diversity on the Bench

2006

Washington Judicial College

Diversity training for judicial officers

Avvo Rating

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