Judicial Diversity in the News
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Judge Andi Mudryk Receives Trailblazer Award
October 16, 2022 | Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
Due to her unending and tireless work on behalf of marginalized communities and people living with disabilities, Judge Andi Mudryk was honored with the NLSLA Trailblazer Award at the Just Neighbors Gala on October 16, 2022.
Just Neighbors brings together community advocates, collaborative partners, and government representatives to celebrate NLSLA’s innovative and transformative advocacy while garnering support for increased access to justice for LA County’s underserved communities.
Judge Andi Mudryk embodies the intersections of persistence, resilience, and determination. In this video, produced by NLSLA, Judge Mudryk shares her upbringing in a Jewish family which emphasized social justice on a daily basis. Her formative elementary school years were challenged due to a medical disability, which created significant time periods of being out of the classroom. Judge Mudryk’s legal career in the disability community speaks highly to her exemplary commitment to representative advocacy. Judge Andi Mudryk also understands the power of representation. As a trans woman with a significant disability, she remembers what it was like to grow up without seeing anyone like herself in a position of power.
Supreme Court Justice Patricia Guerrero on Judicial Diversity
October 7, 2022 | Good Morning America
Justice Guerrero recently was interviewed on Good Morning America. Justice Guerrero spoke to the importance of representation as well as the pathway to a diverse judiciary. The national exposure of the state’s first Latina California Supreme Court Justice exemplified the state and judiciary’s progress in representing the most diverse Supreme Court in the country.
Governor Newsom Announces Judicial Appointment of First Lesbian Presiding Justice Therese Stewart
October 7, 2022 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Newsom nominated Justice Therese Stewart to serve as the Presiding Justice of the First District Court of Appeal, Division Two. Justice Stewart, the first open lesbian presiding justice, has argued on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco in the trilogy of cases advocating for marriage equality for LGBT Californians in the California Supreme Court. She also led the team of San Francisco deputy city attorneys intervening as plaintiffs in the federal case challenging Proposition 8. Justice Stewart has a trailblazing and pioneering professional career, strong ties to civic volunteer programs, such as a program she co-founded in the ‘90s, to help San Francisco’s kids of color go to college through mentoring relationships.
Judicial Mentorship Program for Appellate Courts Goes Statewide
September 22, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
A new judicial mentoring program is expanding statewide, after the success of a pilot program led by San Francisco’s First District Court of Appeal to help recruit qualified and diverse future candidates to California’s appellate courts.
The program seeks to demystify the judicial appointment process by pairing lawyers and superior court judicial officers with a seasoned justice.
The pilot appellate program launched nearly a year ago, with current and retired justices from across the state serving as mentors. Twenty individuals were paired with mentors, and six of those candidates submitted applications to the Governor’s office for consideration as future appellate court justices, said First District Appellate Justice Teri L. Jackson.
Supreme Court Justice Patricia Guerrero – Question and Answers with Elementary Students: Representation and Pathways to the Judiciary
September 13, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
Justice Guerrero participated in an active and quite engaging conversation with 50 students from elementary students from the Los Angeles. Students of color from Foshay Learning Center, John W. Mack Elementary, and Parmelee Elementary school studied the path to becoming a justice. About 50 students actively engaged in a thirty-minute question and answer conversation with Justice Guerrero. As a newly appointed Supreme Court Justice, Justice Guerrero spoke openly in fielding questions about her daily activities, how she learned about college, and her passion in connecting with young people. Students commented “…thank you for being a role model for Latina kids like me.” The appearance on Good Morning America provided an additional opportunity for the Justice to speak on representation and various pathways to the judiciary.
Commission Confirms Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Nomination as Chief Justice of California
August 26, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
Justice Guerrero must now be elected by voters at the Nov. 8 general election. If elected, she would be the first Latina to serve as Chief Justice of California.
Governor Newsom Announces Judicial Nomination of Judge Kelli Evans to the Supreme Court
August 10, 2022 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
The Governor announced the nomination of Judge Kelli Evans to serve as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court. Judge Evans has broad experience throughout the non-profit, private, and public sectors and served as Governor Newsom’s lead attorney on a wide range of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice and civil rights-related law, policy, and litigation issues. “Throughout her career, Judge Evans has dedicated herself to helping all Californians have an equal chance at justice,” said Governor Newsom. “Raised by her grandmother in public housing, Judge Evans was inspired from a young age to find ways to help expand justice and opportunity for everyone, especially marginalized and vulnerable communities. I have seen firsthand her commitment to the highest ideals of public service, and her passion to protect and advance civil rights and liberties for all Californians. I have no doubt that her exemplary talent, wide-ranging knowledge and experience, strong moral compass, and work ethic will make her an outstanding Supreme Court Justice,” said Governor Newsom.
Governor Newsom Announces Historic Supreme Court Nominations
August 10, 2022 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his nomination of Supreme Court Associate Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve as California’s next Chief Justice after Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye concludes her current term of office on January 2, 2023. A first-generation Californian, Justice Guerrero was the first Latina to serve on the California Supreme Court and, if confirmed, will be the first Latina to serve as California’s Chief Justice. The Governor also announced his intention to appoint Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kelli Evans to serve as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by Justice Guerrero’s elevation to Chief Justice.
Commission to Consider Appellate Court Appointments
July 6, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold two virtual public hearings on Aug 3. To consider appointments of Judge Stacy E. Boulware Eurie, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District and Judge Hernaldo J. Baltodano, associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura)
Justice Patricia Guerrero Sworn in to California Supreme Court
March 28, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
Guerrero is the first Latina justice to serve on the state's high court. She was sworn in by Governor Newsom on March 28, and will participate in the court’s next oral argument session beginning April 5. “I never dreamed I would be here today, surrounded by all of you,” said Justice Guerrero, the daughter of Mexican immigrants who grew up in the Imperial Valley.
Governor Newsom announces Appointment of the First Openly Transgender Judge to the Bench in California
March 22, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced eight judicial appointments, including Andi Mudryk – the first openly transgender individual appointed to the bench in California – who will serve as a Judge on the Sacramento County Superior Court.
Justice Patricia Guerrero Confirmed to California Supreme Court
March 22, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced that the commission today confirmed Justice Patricia Guerrero as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California. The appointment was approved by a unanimous vote in the Supreme Court Courtroom in San Francisco. Justice Guerrero is scheduled to be sworn in by Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 28. A report by the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation found Justice Guerrero "exceptionally well qualified" for the state's high court, "universally lauded for her superior intellect, clear writing, judicial temperament, work ethic, and compassion."
Survey Results: California Bench Growing More Diverse
March 1, 2022 | California Courts Newsroom
For the 16th Straight year, California’s judicial bench has grown more diverse, according to new data released by the Judicial Council. As of December 31, 2021, female judicial officers constitute 38.6% of judicial officers across all court levels, a 1% increase over the prior year and an increase of more than 11 percentage points since 2006—the first year that data were collected for this purpose. The bench also has continued to become more racially and ethnically diverse. The proportion of white judicial officers has declined 7% since 2006. The percentage of Asian, Black, and Hispanic judicial officers has nearly doubled over the same time period, and now 35% of current justices and judges identify as non-white.
Governor Newsom Nominates Justice Patricia Guerrero to Serve on California Supreme Court
February 15, 2022 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced that the commission today confirmed Judge Victor A. Rodriguez as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three (San Francisco).This marked the third virtual hearing in the commission's history. The nominee was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Chair), Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Presiding Justice J. Anthony Kline.
Commission Confirms Justice to First District Court of Appeal
October 13, 2021 | California Courts Newsroom
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced that the commission today confirmed Judge Victor A. Rodriguez as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three (San Francisco).This marked the third virtual hearing in the commission's history. The nominee was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye (Chair), Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Presiding Justice J. Anthony Kline.
Commission Confirms Appointments to the Courts of Appeal
August 30, 2021 | California Courts Newsroom
The Commission on Judicial Appointments confirmed four appellate nominations to the First and Sixth District Court of Appeals, including for Justice Charles E. Wilson II, the first African American justice to serve on the Sixth District. The confirmed nominees include Justice Alison M. Tucher, Justice Teri L. Jackson, Judge Cynthia C. Lie, and Judge Charles E. Wilson. The hearings were held virtually for only the second time in the commission’s history.
Governor Newsom Launches California Judicial Mentor Program to Promote a Diverse and Inclusive Judiciary
July 1, 2021 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the California Judicial Mentor Program, a statewide undertaking between the executive and judicial branches to advance the shared goal of an inclusive judiciary that reflects California’s diversity. Comprised of an Appellate Court Mentor Program and a Trial Court Mentor Program, the initiative aims to demystify the appellate and trial court application process and improve transparency and accessibility for all members of the legal community throughout California, fostering the development of a qualified and diverse judicial applicant pool.
In Memoriam: Justice Cruz Reynoso
June 14, 2021 | California Courts Newsroom
The California Supreme Court on June 2 honored the life of Justice Cruz Reynoso, the first Latino state Supreme Court justice in California history, during a special program following oral argument. Justice Reynoso passed away on May 7 at 90 years old. Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said Justice Reynoso was a "revered member of our court, an incredible mentor in the legal profession as well as a distinguished voice in law."
Chief Justice Responds to Violence Against Asians and Asian Americans
March 19, 2021 | California Courts Newsroom
California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye today issued the following statement on recent violent attacks against Asians and Asian Americans: “Anti-Asian violence, like any violence based on prejudice, bias, or fear of the other is reprehensible.”
Mentoring Program Aims to Increase Diversity of Judge Applicants
March 5, 2021 | California Courts Newsroom
New Judicial Mentorship Program in Los Angeles County seeks to accelerate the diversity of the bench by connecting judges with attorneys interested in judgeships. More than 200 local attorneys have already signed up since the Los Angeles County Superior Court launched its program in October. The response was immediate and overwhelming. "Nearly every judge in the county wants to be a mentor," Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor said.
California Bench Growing More Diverse
March 1, 2021 | California Courts Newsroom
As of December 31, 2020, female judicial officers constitute 37.6% of judicial officers across all court levels, a slight increase over the prior year and an increase of more than 10 percentage points since 2006—the first year that data were collected for this purpose. The bench also has continued to become more racially and ethnically diverse. The proportion of white judicial officers has declined about 5 percentage points since 2006, while the percentage of Asian, Black, and Hispanic judicial officers has nearly doubled over the same time period.
Commission Confirms Appointment to Court of Appeal
January 14, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced the commission today unanimously confirmed Judge Truc T. Do as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego).
Justice Martin J. Jenkins Confirmed to California Supreme Court
November 10, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
Praised for his "brilliant intellect, first-class temperament, and boundless humanity," Justice Jenkins makes history as the first openly gay justice and third African American man to serve on the state’s highest court. See photos and video of the confirmation hearing.
Governor Newsom Selects Justice Martin Jenkins (Ret.) for California Supreme Court
October 5, 2020 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
A highly regarded jurist, Justice Martin Jenkins (Ret.) has been appointed to judgeships throughout his storied career. Justice Jenkins would be the first openly gay and third Black man to serve on the California Supreme Court. Justice Jenkins has served as Judicial Appointments Secretary to Governor Newsom since 2019.
Superior Court Forms Committee To Eliminate Courtroom Bias
August 21, 2020 | City News Service
"We are committed to providing equal access to justice for all regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability or socio-economic status," said Superior Court Presiding Judge Lorna Alksne. "My expectation is this committee will seize this opportunity to promote education, confront injustices and alleviate racial disparities throughout the legal system."
Ethics Committee Advises Caution for Judges Attending Protests
July 24, 2020 | ABA Journal
In its July 20 opinion, the Supreme Court’s Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions said although judges might feel morally obligated to support racial justice and equality by participating in demonstrations and rallies in their communities, they have a duty to promote the public’s confidence in an impartial justice system.
Courts Had an Ethical Obligation to Speak Out After George Floyd’s Death
June 19, 2020 | Law.com
Canon 2A of the Code of Conduct provides judges with an express mandate to act in ways “that promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.” The courts that have spoken up after the killing of George Floyd have made explicit reference to that responsibility.
Supreme Court of California Issues Statement on Equality and Inclusion
June 11, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
“In view of recent events in our communities and through the nation, we are at an inflection point in our history. It is all too clear that the legacy of past injustices inflicted on African Americans persists powerfully and tragically to this day. Each of us has a duty to recognize there is much unfinished and essential work that must be done to make equality and inclusion an everyday reality for all.”
West Justice Center to Be Named After First Asian American Orange County Superior Court Judge S. K. Tamura
June 10, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
Stephen K. Tamura’s name will grace Orange County Superior Court’s West Justice Center to honor the late judge’s legacy of groundbreaking successes and to serve as recognition of the contributions of Asian Americans to Orange County and the United States. Judge Tamura was the first Asian American attorney in Orange County, the first Asian American to serve as county counsel in Orange County, the first Asian American superior court judge and presiding judge in Orange County, and the first Asian American justice on an appellate court in the continental United States. During his time on the appellate court, he also served as Justice Pro Tempore on the California Supreme Court until his retirement.
Governor Newsom Appoints 14 Superior Court Judges
April 28, 2020
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of 14 California superior court judges, which include two in Alameda County, three in Los Angeles County, two in Orange County, two in Sacramento County, one in San Bernardino County, two in San Mateo County, one in Santa Clara County and one in Yolo County.
California Bench Growing More Diverse
March 2, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
For the 14th straight year, California’s judicial bench has grown more diverse, according to new data released by the Judicial Council. During his first year in office, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointments increased the diversity of the California bench. Of his 16 appointments, 11 were women and nine were non-white. That builds on the nearly 200 appointments former Gov. Jerry Brown made in his final year in office (2018); women accounted for more than half of those appointees, and 41% identified as non-white.
Commission Confirms Judge Teri L. Jackson, as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
January 22, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
Judge Jackson was the first African-American woman confirmed to the First Appellate District after also becoming the first African-American woman appointed to the San Francisco County Superior Court in 2002.
Justice Ming Chin to Retire from California Supreme Court
January 15, 2020 | California Courts Newsroom
Justice Chin, the court’s first Chinese-American justice and longest-sitting member announced his retirement from the Supreme Court effective August 31, 2020.
Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye to be Keynote Speaker at Law Day 2020, Co-sponsored by Monterey County Superior Court
January 14, 2020 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
An event for high school and college students to learn about careers in the legal profession and the Law Day Theme: Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.
Governor Newsom Nominates First African-American Woman to Serve on First District Court of Appeal
November 19, 2019 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his historic nomination of Judge Teri L. Jackson as associate justice of the First District Court of Appeal, Division Three. If confirmed, Judge Jackson will be the first African-American woman justice in the court’s history.
Governor Newsom’s First Superior Court Appointments Filled With 8 Women Judges of 11 Vacancies
October 25, 2019 | Law.com
Gov. Gavin Newsom named 11 judges to the Superior Court on October 25, 2019. Women dominated the governor's first round of Superior Court appointees, with new female judges netting eight of the open judgeships.
Monterey County Superior Court Judicial Officers Partner with Local K-12 Schools for Constitution Day 2019.
September 26, 2019 | Superior Court of California, County of Monterey and Monterey County Office of Education
Between 9/16 and 9/27, 10 judicial officers will have visited 16 schools and presented to approx. 1,400 5th grade students in Monterey County.
The Santa Clara Superior Court Bench Reaches Gender Parity
September 13, 2019 | Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara
The Santa Clara Superior Court has achieved gender parity; as of August 2019, the Superior Court Bench seats 39 female and 39 male judicial officers - making our Court one of the few across California to represent both genders equally at the trial court level. Increasing the diversity of California's judicial officers to reflect the rich diversity of California's populace continues to be a top priority for both the Judicial Council of California and Santa Clara Superior Court.
Video: Justice Judith McConnell Among Recipients of the 2019 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards
August 13, 2019 | California Courts Newsroom
The ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, established in 1991, honors outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence in their area of specialty and have paved the way for others. It is sponsored by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession.
California Has Most Diverse Supreme Court in the U.S., According to Report
July 23, 2019 | San Francisco Chronicle
California is only one of five states to have a supreme court bench where the percentage of people of color (71%) is higher than their representation in the state’s population as a whole (63%).
In Historic Move, Governor Newsom Makes Judicial Selection Advisory Committees Public
June 26, 2019 | Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
In keeping with his commitment to increase transparency in government, Governor Gavin Newsom made public eight Regional Judicial Selection Advisory Committees (JSACs). The JSACs – comprised of attorneys and judges who live and work in the eight regions – will provide preliminary, non-partisan feedback on candidates and help promote a diverse and inclusive nomination process for California’s judiciary.
California’s First Muslim Judge and Justice Profiled on PBS NewsHour
December 30, 2018 | PBS NewsHour
Justice Halim Dhanidina was recently elevated to California’s Courts of Appeal, making him the state’s most senior judge of Muslim faith. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent David Tereshchuk talks with Dhanidina about engaging with supporters and critics alike, and setting an example for what it looks like to be a "Muslim judge" in the United States.
December 30, 2018 | PBS NewsHour
Justice Halim Dhanidina was recently elevated to California’s Courts of Appeal, making him the state’s most senior judge of Muslim faith. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent David Tereshchuk talks with Dhanidina about engaging with supporters and critics alike, and setting an example for what it looks like to be a "Muslim judge" in the United States.