Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three will retire after nearly 44 years of service.
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.
FYI, per Misc. Order 2025-02 (July 9, 2025), Justice Motoike is designated to serve as Acting Presiding Justice starting July 31, 2025.
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