https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-three-appointments-courts-appeal Commission Confirms Three Appointments to Courts of Appeal Balassone, Merrill Mon, 11/17/2025 - 10:55 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed three appointments to California's Courts of Appeal in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Fresno: Matthew Scherb, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Eight (Los Angeles) Judge Corey Lee, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Two (Riverside) Judge Arlan L. Harrell, as associate justice of the Fifth Appellate District (Fresno) The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert (for the Second Appellate District); Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District); and Administrative Presiding Justice Brad R. Hill (for the Fifth Appellate District). Appointee Biographies Matthew Scherb fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Elizabeth A. Grimes. He has been a chambers attorney at the Supreme Court of California since 2021. He served as a deputy city attorney in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office from 2017 to 2021. Scherb was an appellate court attorney from 2011 to 2017. He was an associate at Winston & Strawn LLP from 2005 to 2011. Scherb served as a law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2004 to 2005. Scherb received a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University. Judge Corey Lee fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Marsha G. Slough. She has served as a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge since 2015. She served as a deputy chief assistant United States attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 2008 to 2015. Lee was a deputy district attorney in the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office from 2007 to 2008. She served as a deputy district attorney in the Riverside County District Attorney's Office from 2004 to 2007. Lee served as a law clerk in the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office of Immigration Review from 2003 to 2004. Lee received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. Judge Arlan L. Harrell fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Charles S. Poochigian. He has served as a judge in the Fresno County Superior Court since 2006. He served as a court commissioner for the Fresno County Superior Court from 2003-2006. Harrell served as a deputy district attorney for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office from 1994-2003. He was an associate at Lang, Richert & Patch from 1992 to 1994. Harrell received a Juris Doctor degree from University of California, Davis King Hall School of Law.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-consider-appointments-courts-appeal-6 Commission to Consider Appointments to Courts of AppealMartin.Novitski Thu, 10/16/2025 - 14:42 News Release The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold public in-person hearings in San Francisco on Nov. 17 starting at 9 a.m. to consider three appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom.  The commission will consider the following appointments: 9 a.m.: Matthew Scherb, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Eight (Los Angeles)  10 a.m.: Judge Corey Lee, as associate justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two (Riverside)  11 a.m.: Judge Arlan L. Harrell, as associate justice of the Fifth Appellate District (Fresno) The hearing webcast will be streamed live on the California Courts Newsroom.   The state Constitution specifies that a gubernatorial appointment to the Court of Appeal is effective when confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.   The commission members who will consider the appointment are California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert (Second Appellate District)*; Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (Fourth Appellate District); and Administrative Presiding Justice Brad R. Hill (Fifth Appellate District). *Please note, Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert will appear virtually for the 9 a.m. hearing for Mr. Matthew Scherb. Appointee Biographies  Matthew Scherb would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Elizabeth A. Grimes. He has been a chambers attorney at the Supreme Court of California since 2021. He served as a deputy city attorney in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office from 2017 to 2021. Scherb was an appellate court attorney from 2011 to 2017. He was an associate at Winston & Strawn LLP from 2005 to 2011. Scherb served as a law clerk at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2004 to 2005. Scherb received a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University. Judge Corey Lee would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Marsha G. Slough. She has served as a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge since 2015. She served as a deputy chief assistant United States attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 2008 to 2015. Lee was a deputy district attorney in the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office from 2007 to 2008. She served as a deputy district attorney in the Riverside County District Attorney's Office from 2004 to 2007. Lee served as a law clerk in the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office of Immigration Review from 2003 to 2004. Lee received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School.  Judge Arlan L. Harrell would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Charles S. Poochigian. He has served as a judge in the Fresno County Superior Court since 2006. He served as a court commissioner for the Fresno County Superior Court from 2003-2006. Harrell served as a deputy district attorney for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office from 1994-2003. He was an associate at Lang, Richert & Patch from 1992 to 1994. Harrell received a Juris Doctor degree from University of California, Davis King Hall School of Law.  Testimony and Comment Requests to testify or written comments on the appointment must be received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 10 (five court days prior to hearing). Anyone wishing to testify before the commission must state that request in writing and include a summary of the facts on which any testimony or opinion will be based.   Submissions via email to coja@jud.ca.gov are strongly encouraged. Hard copies are not required.   If you would like to mail your request, you may also reach the commission at:   Commission on Judicial Appointments   c/o Chief Justice of California   Supreme Court of California   350 McAllister Street   San Francisco, California 94102   Attention: Secretary to the Commission   Guidelines for the Commission on Judicial Appointments are published in the appendix to the California Rules of Court and are posted on the California Courts website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-council-announces-2025-distinguished-service-award-recipients Judicial Council Announces 2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipientselaine.chan Mon, 10/13/2025 - 13:55 News Release The Judicial Council of California today announced three recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California. This year’s recipients are Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert, Judge Jonathan Conklin, and Court Executive Officer Rebecca Fleming. This year’s Aranda Access to Justice Award will be awarded to Judge Bruce Chan and Judge Samantha Jessner. Co-sponsored by the Judicial Council, the California Judges Association, the California Lawyers Association, and the Commission on Access to Justice, the award honors a judge who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving access to our courts, and who has significantly improved access for low- and moderate-income Californians. “We honor this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions to the state’s judicial branch,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “Through their dedicated service and commitment, these court leaders have expanded access to justice and inspired us all to continue improving the administration of justice for all Californians.” This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients are: Presiding Justice Arthur GilbertCourt of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura) Throughout his 50 years on the bench, Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert has sought to improve the statewide administration of justice. He has served on many Judicial Council committees, including the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel, Advisory Committee on Legal Forms, and the Center for Judicial Education and Research Governing Committee. Having a passion for judicial education and raising the public’s awareness of the courts, Presiding Justice Gilbert has served as faculty for many judicial education programs, lectured frequently at State Bar events, and participated in moot court sessions at law schools. His long-time monthly Daily Journal column “Under Submission” also serves to spread his knowledge of the courts and the rule of law to fellow judges and attorneys. In addition, his “Gilbert Submits” blog features popular legal commentary from his Daily Journal columns—more than 300 pieces spanning two decades, compiled into two books. Presiding Justice Gilbert began his judicial service at the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1975, was appointed to the Court of Appeal by former Governor Jerry Brown in 1982, and became presiding justice of his division in 1999. He has served on several Governors' judicial selection committees to help recruit and evaluate qualified applicants for judicial appointment, helping to diversify the applicant pool to communities that have been underrepresented.   Judge Jonathan ConklinSuperior Court of Fresno County Judge Jonathan Conklin has dedicated 40 years to public service, including 20 years as a superior court judge in Fresno County. As presiding judge of the Fresno Superior Court from 2014 to 2015, and a longtime member of the court’s executive committee, Judge Conklin helped lead the court through significant budget challenges, including the closure of rural branch courts while expanding remote access through video proceedings, electronic warrants, and e-filing. He has been a key figure in the court’s judicial education and access to justice efforts. He led the court’s participation in the Fresno County High School Mock Trial Program for 20 years, and also participated in the High School Youth Court Program for well over a decade. From 2018 to 2024, Judge Conklin served on the Judicial Council. Prior to that, he contributed to important Judicial Council workgroups. Those included the Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force, which developed the Strategic Plan for Language Access in the California Courts. Conklin also helped lead the AB 1058 Funding Methodology Workgroup which addressed funding for Child Support Commissioners and Family Law Facilitators.  For the past decade, Judge Conklin has chaired the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee. In that role, he has guided the council in assessing new approaches to achieving greater equality in trial court funding. Judge Conklin’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting equal access to justice and strengthening the administration of California’s courts, especially during times of budget challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.   Rebecca FlemingCourt Executive Officer, Superior Court of Santa Clara County Rebecca Fleming has devoted her career to strengthening California’s judicial branch, including serving in senior management roles for more than 18 years before becoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Santa Clara Superior Court in 2017. Fleming has led numerous innovative technological initiatives to improve public access and streamline internal court operations. During her tenure at the Santa Clara Superior Court, she implemented solutions that allow the public to remotely view case information, pay fines and fees, and access real-time court updates, significantly reducing the need for in-person visits. As a vital liaison between her court and county government, Fleming fosters collaboration that enhances community understanding of the courts’ role and promotes civic engagement. Under her leadership, the Santa Clara Court has been repeatedly recognized for its outreach efforts and dedication to public service. These efforts include Law Day contests for students, youth artwork displays in courthouses, and events designed to inspire future legal leaders. Fleming is also a strong advocate for statewide funding equity. In addition to serving as vice-chair of the council’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee (TCBAC) since 2013 and co-chair of its Funding Methodology Subcommittee from 2015–2023, she has testified before the California Legislature and worked to help create viable budget solutions during years of financial uncertainty. Throughout her tenure on the council, Fleming has championed initiatives promoting equal access to justice, including policies designed to address the shortage of court reporters, improve interpreter services for limited English speakers, and standardize court data collection. More information on the Distinguished Service Awards and previous recipients Aranda Access to Justice Award Judge Bruce ChanSuperior Court of San Francisco County As the founding judicial leader of San Francisco’s Young Adult Court (YAC), Judge Bruce Chan has spent the past decade creating a model of collaborative justice that expands access to meaningful court engagement for low-income young adults, many of whom have experienced poverty, abuse and neglect, community violence, homelessness, and systemic marginalization. First of its kind in the nation, the YAC was established in 2015 to provide accountability and transformative opportunities based on the neuroscience of the developing brain and the unique needs of young adults ages 18–25. It operates as a collaborative court for transitional-age youth facing felony charges who seek to have their records expunged in exchange for successful participation in and graduation from the program. Judge Chan also champions inter-disciplinary training for members of the collaborative court, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrating clinical best practices into courtroom procedures. YAC has inspired similar efforts across the country—Judge Chan and the YAC team have presented over the past ten years at a number of meetings convened by the National Conference of State Legislatures, National League of Cities, and National Center for State Courts.   Judge Chan is a founding member and past chairman of Asian American Recovery Services, formerly the largest provider of substance abuse services to Asian Pacific Americans in California. He was also a member of the task force that established a drug treatment court in the San Francisco juvenile court.   Judge Samantha JessnerSuperior Court of Los Angeles County Judge Samantha Jessner was appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2007 and served as the court’s presiding judge from 2023–24. During her tenure as presiding judge, she was instrumental in increasing access for court users and the public. As the largest court in the nation, the Los Angeles Superior Court has experienced a significant surge in annual unlimited civil filings since 2008. To ease this backlog, Judge Jessner launched a Pathway Pilot Program for processing unlimited civil filings, an innovative and expansive effort to streamline case processing and promote timely access to justice. In addition, she created the Mediation Volunteer Program, a free or low-cost court-connected mediation program in which certified mediators volunteer their time to resolve civil matters for litigants who cannot otherwise afford a private mediator. In tackling the chronic court reporter shortage, Judge Jessner led her court’s efforts to introduce an internal court reporter training program and enhance incentives for recruitment, offering a paid internship, retention and signing bonuses, and a relocation reimbursement benefit. Recognizing that recruitment alone could not fill all gaps, Judge Jessner also led the expanded use of electronic recording in certain family law, probate, and civil proceedings when no court reporter is available. The goal is to preserve litigants’ access to a verbatim record in situations where fundamental constitutional rights might otherwise be impacted. Under Judge Jessner’s leadership, the Los Angeles Superior Court is one of the first courts in California to partner with public transit agencies to provide free public transit to residents travelling to and from jury service, which increases access to the court, expands civic engagement, and diversifies the court’s jury pools. She also led the court’s technology innovation efforts that helped increase access and streamline the court process for the public. Those efforts included piloting a digital evidence system in the small claims department and implementing the MyCitation ability-to-pay online tool. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Superior Court implemented bail reform for non-serious, non-violent offenders. Rather than determining an arrestee’s release status based solely on a person’s ability to pay an amount of money for bail, under the Pre-Arraignment Release Protocol, a judge determines a person’s risk to public or victim safety, as well as the person’s likelihood of returning to court. This is consistent with the constitutional purpose of bail described above and ensures equal treatment regardless of wealth. Helping to expand access statewide, Judge Jessner serves as vice-chair of the council’s Information and Technology Advisory Committee and chairs its Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee. More information on the Aranda Access to Justice Award and previous recipients https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/power-democracy-and-icivics-partner-summer-school-teachers Power of Democracy and iCivics Partner for Summer School for TeachersSoltysik, Penne Thu, 07/24/2025 - 13:35 Feature The San Diego Superior Court and the Fourth District Court of Appeal recently welcomed educators from across the country for the 2025 iCivics Educator Convening—a one-day, in-person professional development event. The convening was co-hosted by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative in support of iCivics. “This marks our second year hosting iCivics, I hope we're able to do this again," said Justice Judith McConnell, Administrative Presiding Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal and Lead of the Power of Democracy initiative. “We share the same important goal and that is to empower teachers and to give them the tools to teach civics in a meaningful, lasting way."  Educators from 14 states participated in sessions held throughout the Hall of Justice, including breakout discussions inside the Presiding Courtroom. “Our court hosts a wide variety of programs and events for San Diego-based students and teachers,” said San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge Maureen Hallahan. “So for us to be able to open our doors for a national convening, to see my courtroom turn into a classroom, that makes me proud. And I can see that our outreach staff is proud of what they were able to accomplish here."  Judge Hallahan and Justice McConnell opened the day by highlighting San Diego’s robust civic outreach efforts, including Justice 101, Judges in the Classroom, and one of the state’s largest high school mock trial competitions. Judge Hallahan encouraged teachers to connect with their local courts and emphasized that judiciary support for civic learning is a nationwide commitment. “As judges, we are deeply committed to helping students understand civics and the justice system,” she said. “Outreach is an essential part of our role.” In the afternoon, teachers reconvened for a spirited general session led by Justice David Rubin of the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Attendees used tablets and smartphones to participate in an interactive civics “pop quiz,” covering legal topics presented by San Diego Superior Court Judges Carolyn Caietti, Ana España, Marissa Bejarano, and Justice José Castillo. “This has been a highlight of my summer,” Justice Rubin shared. “It’s an honor to collaborate with colleagues and connect with such dedicated educators—many of whom gave up part of their summer break to be here.” The day ended on a powerful note with a surprise visit from Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, who once served on both the San Diego Superior Court and the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Reflecting on her upbringing in California’s Imperial Valley more than a hundred miles east from San Diego County, she credited teachers and family for encouraging her journey to the bench. Turning back to the quiz, Chief Justice Guerrero offered the final question: “In one word, when you think about the future for your students, what is it that you wish for them?" As the Chief Justice thanked the hosts and participants, the teacher's responses appeared onscreen with words like informed, empowerment, and engaged. Observing the words onscreen, Natacha Scott said, "Your words reflect the importance of civics as a powerful tool for helping students discover their potential. Today's convening was designed to inspire engagement and this word cloud illustrates the impact of civic learning." Scott is iCivics' Director of Educator Engagement and this was her second time connecting with California courts to help teachers upskill in the delivery of fun, innovative, and impactful civics teaching methods. "We thank our partners here in California, and give a special round of applause to the amazing judges and court staff who took the time to support iCivics. And thank you to all of you, our teachers."  If you are a teacher and would like to be considered for iCivics programs like this in the future, be sure to join the free iCivics network. To be notified when the Civic Learning Award applications are posted in February, sign up for updates from powerofdemocracy.org. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/presiding-justice-kathleen-e-oleary-retire-fourth-appellate-district-division-three Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary to retire from the Fourth Appellate District, Division ThreeMartin.Novitski Tue, 07/15/2025 - 09:01 News Release SANTA ANA—Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three will retire on July 31, 2025, after serving nearly 44 years as a distinguished member of the California judiciary. The mood is somber in the halls of 601 West Santa Ana Boulevard. Justice O’Leary’s steady leadership guided the court through extraordinary challenges, such as the implementation of e-filing and the management of the COVID-19 crisis. Justice O’Leary also integrated a new generation of Justices and staff after dozens of court mainstays preceded her into retirement in the past decade. Her indefatigable excellence in deciding cases and administration will be impossible to replace. "Presiding Justice O’Leary’s impact on the judiciary and our community is immeasurable. Her vision, integrity, and tireless service have left a lasting mark on this court and the people it serves. I am personally grateful for her mentorship and proud to have worked alongside a leader who exemplifies the very best of public service." —Justice Maurice Sanchez A Massachusetts native, Justice O'Leary moved to California with her family before she started high school. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University and received her juris doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law. Following law school, Justice O’Leary worked for the Orange County Public Defender’s office for five years, learning priceless lessons about the justice system that inform her work to this day. But Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., barely allowed Justice O’Leary to get started as a practicing attorney before he recognized her potential as a judge. Governor Brown appointed Justice O’Leary to the West Orange County Municipal Court on October 2, 1981. Governor George Deukmejian then appointed her to the Orange County Superior Court five years later. In 1997, her colleagues elected her Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, making her the first woman in Orange County to hold that position. Her colleagues reelected her to that position two more times. While serving as Presiding Judge, Justice O’Leary oversaw the unification of the county’s superior and municipal courts. She also led that court through the aftermath of the Orange County bankruptcy and transition to state funding for the courts. In 1999, Governor Gray Davis appointed Justice O’Leary to serve as an Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three. She began her term in January 2000. As an Associate Justice, she worked to ensure the Court of Appeal remained in the county’s seat of government when it was deciding on a new location to ensure everyone had access to the appellate court. In 2011, things came full circle when Governor Brown appointed Justice O’Leary to serve as Presiding Justice. Stating the obvious, the California State Bar Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation rated Justice O’Leary “exceptionally well qualified” and her appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments on February 10, 2012. Justice O’Leary became the first woman to hold this position in Orange County. Justice O’Leary dedicated her career to improving court administration and access to justice for all. She served on and chaired numerous Judicial Council committees formed to address access and fairness, financial accountability and efficiency, fiscal and administrative issues, the future of the courts, and self-represented litigants. She also served as the California Supreme Court’s Chairperson of the Jury Selection Work Group studying changes or new measures to guard against impermissible discrimination in jury selection. In recognition of her work promoting access to justice and improving court administration, Justice O’Leary has received many prestigious awards during her judicial career, including the following: California Judicial Council’s Jurist of the Year Award (1999); Orange County Bar Association’s Franklin G. West Award (2006); Aranda Access to Justice Award (2007); and California Women Lawyers’ Joan Dempsey Klein Award (2014). She has also been recognized by the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County (1998), the Orange County Asian America Bar Association (2001), and the Orange County Lavender Bar Association (2014). “Justice O’Leary’s dedication, leadership, and mentorship have made a lasting impact on all of us here at the court of appeal and in the legal community. She is an inspiring, energetic and collaborative leader who brings our court together as a family. Her work and legacy will continue in the many she has inspired throughout the years and the courts she has touched.” —Justice Joanne Motoike https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-richard-d-huffman-retire-fourth-appellate-district Justice Richard D. Huffman to retire from Fourth Appellate DistrictMartin.Novitski Fri, 04/25/2025 - 14:33 News Release Associate Justice Richard D. Huffman of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, will retire on July 1, 2025, following 36 years in Division One. Justice Huffman was appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal for the State of California by Governor George Deukmejian in October of 1988 following his tenure as a Judge of the Superior Court for San Diego County since April of 1985. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Justice Huffman served as Chief Deputy District Attorney for over 10 years and as Assistant District Attorney for the remainder of his 14 years of service with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. In those positions he was responsible for the overall supervision of a staff of 450, while at the same time personally taking to trial a number of complex and sensitive cases. His contributions to the administration of justice and his trial skills brought him four singular honors: "Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year" by the California District Attorneys Association, "Outstanding Public Lawyer" by the San Diego County Bar Association, "Prosecutor of the Year" by Citizens for Law and Order, and selection for membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was also the recipient in 1988 of the San Diego Trial Lawyers Association's "Trial Judge of the Year Award." In 2012 Justice Huffman was presented with the Ronald M. George Award for Judicial Excellence by the Judicial Council of California. Justice Huffman was admitted to the State Bar of California in January of 1966 following his graduation with a J.D. degree from the University of Southern California. He began his legal career with the State Attorney General's Office. For three of his five years there, Justice Huffman headed the Attorney General's Special Prosecutions and Organized 2 Crime Unit for Southern California, also serving in a cross-designated capacity as Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern and Central Districts, as well as being a member of the Federal Strike Force on Organized Crime in Los Angeles. Additionally, Justice Huffman is a former Vice President of the San Diego County Bar Association, served two terms on the State Bar of California's commission evaluating judicial nominees, served as a law professor for many years, and is a regular lecturer at programs for judges and attorneys. He was a member of the adjunct faculty of the University of San Diego law school from 1972 to 2017, and has served as a faculty member and as director of the University's International and Comparative Law programs in Guadalajara, Mexico, Oxford, England, and Dublin, Ireland. He is a Judicial Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honorary diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a member of the Judicial Advisory Board for the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, a founding director of the San Diego Inn of Court and a Master of the American Inns of Court. Justice Huffman was a member of the California Judicial Council from 1997 to 2011, and served as chair of its Executive and Planning Committee. Justice Huffman and his wife Caroline have resided in San Diego since 1971. They have one son, Richard. Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell commented, “Throughout his career as an attorney and jurist, Justice Huffman has been a leader.  As a member of the Judicial Council, he helped guide the state court system through unification of the trial courts and transition to state court funding.  He frequently served on assignment to the Juvenile Court, handling cases of children who were removed from their families, and his leadership in improving the juvenile court system has been recognized by the naming of a statewide award in his honor.  He is an icon in the legal community and will be deeply missed for his wisdom and common sense.” https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/appellate-court-visits-riverside-county-high-school-outreach-program Appellate Court Visits Riverside County High School for Outreach ProgramBalassone, Merrill Tue, 03/04/2025 - 12:10 News Release Contact:  AnnDee Smith | 951-782-2500 WHAT: The Court of Appeal for the Fourth Appellate District, Division Two in Riverside will hold an outreach session for 400 Coachella Valley high school students. WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon on March 13 9 a.m. Justices will meet with mock trial participants, faculty, public officials, and student leaders at a reception in the multipurpose room. 10 a.m. Oral argument session begins in the performing arts center, followed by a 20-minute Q&A session with students and the justices. WHO: 400 students, faculty, and staff from Shadow Hills High School; Mayor of the City of Indio Glenn Miller; Desert Sands Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, School Board President Dr. Kailee Watson, and other board members. WHERE: Shadow Hills High School 39-225 Jefferson St., Indio, Calif. MORE:  Oral argument will concern two serious, pending criminal appeals, People v. R.G. and People v. Probus. In R.G., the defendant was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest after he allegedly attacked a gardener at a park with a knife. At issue in the appeal is whether the defendant was entitled to mental health diversion. Probus involves a defendant convicted of committing first-degree murder during a robbery who challenges a sentence enhancement for a prior conviction. The appeal turns on an important split in the law. The court's outreach program seeks to educate students in the law, courts, the legal system, careers in the law, and the importance of education. Presiding Justice Manuel A. Ramirez and all of Division Two’s available justices will be in attendance.  Division Two has been partnering with Coachella Valley high schools for over two decades, holding oral argument at Palm Desert High School in 2002, and conducting outreach programs in Riverside and San Bernardino counties since 2004, including at Indio High School in 2011, Coachella Valley High School in 2017, and most recently in 2019 at Indio High School.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-appointments-courts-appeal-9 Commission Confirms Appointments to Courts of AppealBalassone, Merrill Fri, 02/14/2025 - 11:23 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced that the commission today confirmed two nominations to the California Courts of Appeal in San Francisco and Santa Ana. The nominees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: Chief Justice Guerrero (Chair); Attorney General Rob Bonta; and Presiding Justice Jim Humes (for the First District) and Presiding Justice Manuel A. Ramirez (for the Fourth District). The nominees confirmed were: Judge Charles Smiley, as associate justice of the First Appellate District, Division One (San Francisco) Judge Nathan Scott, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) Appointee Biographies Judge Charles A. Smiley fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sandra L. Margulies. He has served as an Alameda County Superior Court judge since 2012 and as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law since 2014. Judge Smiley served as a commissioner at the Alameda County Superior Court from 2007 to 2012. He served as a deputy public defender at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 2007 and was an associate adjunct professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco from 2004 to 2007. Judge Smiley earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.Judge Nathan R. Scott fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice William W. Bedsworth. Judge Scott has served as a Orange County Superior Court judge since 2012. Judge Scott served as a senior appellate court attorney and appellate court attorney at the Fourth District Court of Appeal from 2005 to 2012. He was an associate at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP from 2003 to 2004 and at Kirkland & Ellis LLP from 1999 to 2003. Judge Scott earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.  Judge Charles A. Smiley Judge Nathan R. Scott https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/local-courts-and-bar-associations-host-california-bar-admission-ceremony-tuesday-december-10 Local Courts and Bar Associations to Host California Bar Admission Ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, 2024Martin.Novitski Fri, 12/06/2024 - 15:37 News Release The Fourth District Court of Appeal, the San Diego Superior Court and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California will host a Special Joint Session at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, to administer the Oath of Office for the induction of new attorneys to the practice of law in California. Upon passing the challenging California Bar Examination, new attorneys, as required by California Business and Professions Code section 6067, take an oath that they will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California and that they will act with “dignity, courtesy and integrity.” This month’s ceremony marks the return to a large-scale celebration which last occurred in 2019. The celebration will take place in the ballroom at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter Hotel, and involves all local courts and the state, county and federal bar associations. “The justices of the Fourth District are pleased to join once again with our colleagues of the state and federal trial courts and to welcome to the profession our new attorneys,” said Fourth District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Judith McConnell. “We are excited to welcome new attorneys into the legal profession, recognize their years of hard work in getting to this moment and celebrate this remarkable achievement,” said San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge Maureen F. Hallahan. “This is a momentous occasion for new attorneys and their families. It is only fitting that we welcome them into our country’s noblest profession in grand style through this special session of court,” said U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dana Sabraw. The Special Joint Session is planned to include comments from the Fourth District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Judith McConnell, State Bar of California Trustee Mattheus Stephens, San Diego County Bar Association President Stacey Kartchner, San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge Maureen F. Hallahan, Federal Bar Association President Blake Currey, and U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia Bashant. The State Bar oath will be administered by the Fourth District Court of Appeal Clerk of Court Brandon Henson and the Federal Bar oath will be administered by John Morrill, Clerk of Court for the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/court-appeal-holds-special-session-imperial-county-high-school-students Court of Appeal Holds Special Session for Imperial County High School StudentsMartin.Novitski Fri, 11/22/2024 - 15:18 News Release San Diego—The Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One was pleased to hold oral argument on October 24 at Southwest High School in El Centro, an event attended by over 500 students from eight high schools throughout Imperial County, Presiding Justice Judith D. McConnell announced. Our goal is to educate students about the judicial branch and its role in our democracy and we were aided by judges from the Superior Court of Imperial County who visited classrooms at all six high schools to explain the cases before the court and the process that brought them to the appellate court.  Honorable Ruth Bermudez Montenegro, United States District Judge, Southern District of California and Presiding Judge Marco D. Nunez of the Imperial County Superior Court, were instrumental in organizing this program. "The collaborative effort in delivering the Oral Argument Outreach Program for students of the Imperial Valley was truly exceptional! Central Union High School District deeply values the time invested and the opportunities provided for our students to engage with the Court of Appeal process. We are eager to continue this partnership, promoting civics education for both our current and future students” said Superintendent Dr. David Farkas. This program is the result of a collaborative effort between the Superior Court of Imperial County; the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One, Imperial County Board of Education, Central Union High School District and Southwest High School. The following cases were heard:D082269  People v. SiekmanD082522  Mowery v. El Centro Animal Clinic, Inc. For more information, contact Mr. Brandon L. Henson, Clerk/Executive Officer at (619) 744-2760.