This disclosure provides a shield for use in a liquid guided laser system and related method of use. The shield comprises a rigid body with a target facing surface. The rigid body defines a through hole with a diameter that accommodates a liquid guided laser path. The rigid body has a thickness that defines a length of the liquid guided laser path through the rigid body. The thickness of the rigid body is at least twice the diameter of the through hole. The rigid body is positioned in the liquid guided laser path of the liquid guided laser system between a discharge nozzle of the liquid guided laser system and a target.