News Release

Chief Justice Honored by California Latino Legislative Caucus

Chief Justice Guerrero was awarded a Latino Spirit Award for her pioneering contributions in law and public service.
May 3, 2023

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero was honored Tuesday in Sacramento with a Latino Spirit Award, presented yearly by the California Latino Legislative Caucus to honorees who have made "pioneering contributions in their respective fields." 

The caucus recognized Chief Justice Guerrero for her achievements in law and public service. She was one of 11 leaders honored for achievements in areas that also included human rights, the arts, and literature. Established in 2002, the awards coincide with the state’s celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

 

 

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Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero accepts a Latino Spirit Award
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero accepts a Latino Spirit Award in Sacramento.
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Chief Justice in the California Assembly
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero was one of 11 honorees recognized in the Assembly chambers.

Nominated by Governor Gavin Newsom in August 2022, and later sworn into office on Jan. 2, 2023, Chief Justice Guerrero made history as the first Latina to serve as California's Chief Justice. When she first joined the California Supreme Court as an associate justice in March 2022, Chief Justice Guerrero was also the first Latina to serve on the state's high court.

In her first State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Guerrero highlighted her commitment to a more diverse and inclusive judicial branch, as well as technology that helped preserve access to justice for Californians during the pandemic.

Chief Justice Guerrero also adopted the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative and has been active in the “Judges in the Classroom” civics program, which engages schools and encourages students to learn about the judiciary's role.

Prior to her elevation to the California Supreme Court, Chief Justice Guerrero served as an associate justice at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One, since December 2017. Before her appellate appointment, she served as a judge at the Superior Court of San Diego County from 2013 to 2017 and was the supervising judge of its Family Law Division in 2017.

During her legal career, Chief Justice Guerrero has contributed many hours of volunteer work, including as a member of the Advisory Board of the Immigration Justice Project, which promotes due process and access to justice at all levels of the immigration and appellate court system. As an attorney, she assisted clients on a pro bono basis in immigration matters, including asylum applications and protecting vulnerable families by litigating compliance with fair housing laws.

Chief Justice Guerrero is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and was born and raised in California's Imperial Valley. She attended the University of California, Berkeley as an undergraduate and earned a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School.

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