New Justices

Today's DJ has Commission confirms justices to 1st and 4th District Courts of Appeal -- The Commission on Judicial Appointments confirmed Alameda County Superior Court Judge Charles A. Smiley to the 1st District Court of Appeal and Orange County Superior Court Judge Nathan R. Scott to the 4th District. Both received high praise for their integrity, intellect, and judicial temperament.

• Smiley will fill the 1st District Court of Appeal, Division One seat vacated by Justice Sandra L. Margulies' retirement. A judge since 2012, he has also lectured at UC Berkeley School of Law since 2014. Before his appointment, Smiley served as an Alameda County Superior Court commissioner from 2007 to 2012 and spent a decade as a deputy public defender. He also taught as an associate adjunct professor at UC College of the Law, San Francisco, where he earned his law degree.
• the commission reassembled to consider the appointment of Orange County Superior Court Judge Nathan R. Scott to associate justice at the 4th District Court of Appeal. Speaking on behalf of Scott were Presiding Justice Kathleen O'Leary, 4th District Court of Appeal, Division Three, Retired 4th District Justice Raymond J. Ikola, and Orange County Superior Court Judge Walter P. Schwarm. O'Leary described Scott as exceptionally bright and collegial with a strong work ethic and possessing a strong moral compass. "His life experiences growing up caused his thought to develop a sense of compassion for those who have experienced the same or similar challenges in growing up," O'Leary said. "He learned the value of hard work from his parents, and he realized hard work is always necessary, but it's not always glamorous." O'Leary said she believes Scott is exceptionally well qualified to sit as an associate justice, and "I would be thrilled to have him as a colleague." ... Scott will replace Justice William W. Bedsworth, who retired.