Fourth Appellate District Announces New Clerk/Executive Officer

Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell today announced, on behalf of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, the appointment of Brandon L. Henson, assistant clerk/executive officer of the Fourth Appellate District, as the 10th clerk/executive officer of the Court of Appeal, Fourth District, succeeding Kevin J. Lane. His appointment to clerk of the court will take effect April 1.

In her announcement, Administrative President Justice McConnell stated, "I am happy to announce Brandon Henson has agreed to assume the position of Clerk Executive Officer of the Fourth District Court of Appeal.  Our court is the second largest district in the state with three separate divisions and the other presiding justices agree he is exceptionally well qualified to serve in this new role.  He has been critical to implementation of our transition over the years to electronic filing and will continue to be a leader in modernization of the courts and ongoing improvement of access to justice."

The Fourth Appellate District consists of three divisions and 26 Justices. The divisions are located in San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Ana and the Fourth District has jurisdiction over San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo and Orange counties. 

The clerk/executive officer is the court’s chief executive officer and provides administrative support, including budgeting, security, human resources, and business services. The clerk/executive officer also serves as the court’s public information officer and assists in developing community outreach programs, among other responsibilities.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the Clerk of the Fourth Appellate District,” Henson said.  “I look forward to continuing a career dedicated to public service and working with our Justices, management and employees.  Whatever challenges may lay ahead, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by talented and dedicated employees that continually contribute to the important work of the court and its proud legacy.”

Henson has worked for the Fourth District Court of Appeal since 1998, most recently as assistant clerk/executive officer. Prior to joining the Fourth District, Henson was a student worker at San Diego Superior Court for two years while completing his undergraduate studies; working in the criminal and civil business offices, and finally the Appellate Division.

A native San Diegan, Henson received his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration in 1998 from San Diego State University; a Master of Arts degree cum laude in Public Administration from Norwich University in 2011 and is a Certified Court Manager and a Certified Court Executive through the Institute for Court Management.

Henson has served on several Judicial Council of California committees including the Judicial Branch Leadership Curriculum Committee and the Appellate and Trial Court Operations Curriculum Committee, and currently serves on the Appellate Practice Curriculum Committee. He is a member of the Appellate Court Clerks/Executive Officers, National Conference of Appellate Court Clerks and the National Association of Court Management where he has also served on various statewide and nationwide committees and working groups.