8 new justices

Today's DJ has Commission confirms 8 Court of Appeal justices in 4 districts -- The appointments address retirements, a death and one elevation.

The Commission on Judicial Appointments confirmed eight California Court of Appeal justices over two days, filling vacancies across four appellate districts and elevating Justice Rashida Adams to presiding justice of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, Division 3.

4 new justices

The Recorder has Calif. Commission Confirms 4 State Appeals Court Justices -- Among those confirmed Thursday was David Sapp, Gov. Gavin Newsom's legal affairs secretary.

Sapp was one of four court of appeal selections endorsed unanimously by the commission on Wednesday. The governor has moved quickly in recent months to fill the remaining vacancies on California’s mid-level courts before he leaves office next year. Newsom publicly nominated eight candidates, including Sapp, on Aug. 7 and days later the Commission on Judicial Appointments scheduled confirmation hearings this week.

CJA hearings (2d Dist.) 8/19&20

The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold in-person hearings in San Francisco on August 19th and 20th to consider two appointments to the Second District Court of Appeal by Governor Gavin Newsom.

The commission will consider the following 2DCA appointment on Wednesday, August 19, 2026:

4:00 p.m.: Judge Denise Hippach, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura)

The commission will consider the following 2DCA appointment on Thursday, August 20, 2026:

9:30 a.m.: Justice Rashida Adams, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles)

CJA-palooza!

The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold in-person hearings in San Francisco on Aug. 19 starting at 1 p.m. and on Aug. 20 starting at 9:30 a.m. to consider eight appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

View the live webcasts for August 19 and August 20.

The commission will consider the following appointments on Aug. 19:

• 1 p.m.: David Sapp, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento)
• 2 p.m.: Judge Lauri Damrell, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento)
• 3 p.m.: Judge Frederick Chung, as associate justice of the Sixth Appellate District (San Jose)
• 4 p.m.: Judge Denise Hippach, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura)

The commission will consider the following appointments on Aug. 20:

•  9:30 a.m.: Justice Rashida Adams, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles)
• 10:30 a.m.: Judge Juliet Macaulay, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana)
• 11:30 a.m.: Judge Lisa Rodriguez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego)
• 12:30 p.m.: Judge Marsha Amin, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego)

The hearing webcasts will be streamed live on the California Courts Newsroom.

6th DCA CJA hearing set

The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold a public hearing in San Francisco on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. to consider Governor Gavin Newsom's appointment of Judge Frederick S. Chung as Associate Justice of the Sixth District Court of Appeal.

Justice Appointments!

 

Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments

 

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of eight Court of Appeal Justices: Justice Rashida Adams, to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three; Judge Denise Hippach to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six; David Sapp to the Third District Court of Appeal; Judge Lauri Damrell to the Third District Court of Appeal; Judge Marsha Amin to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One; Judge Lisa Rodriguez to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One; Judge Juliet Macaulay to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three; Judge Frederick Chung to the Sixth District Court of Appeal.

 

Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three

 

 

Rashida Adams, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as Presiding Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Adams has served as an Associate Justice for the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Three since 2023. Adams served as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court from 2017 to 2023. She served as a Senior Appellate Court Attorney at the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Eight from 2008 to 2017. Adams was an Attorney at Caldwell Leslie & Proctor from 2005 to 2007. She worked as an Attorney at Bernabei & Katz from 2001 to 2005. Adams received a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. If confirmed, she will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Lee Edmon, and Adams’s appointment to a term beginning January 4, 2027 will be subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Adams is a Democrat.

 

Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six

 

 

Denise Hippach, of San Luis Obispo County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six. Hippach has served as a Judge in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court since 2022. She served as a Senior Deputy County Counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office from 2018 to 2022. Hippach served as a Deputy Attorney General at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office from 2015 to 2018. She served as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at the Canyon County Prosecutor's Office from 2016 to 2018. Hippach served as a Panel Attorney at the California Court of Appeal, Court-Appointed Counsel Program from 2014 to 2018. She served as a Deputy County Counsel at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office from 2008 to 2014. Hippach served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2006. Hippach received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Tari Cody to Presiding Justice. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. Hippach is a Democrat.

 

Third District Court of Appeal

 

 

David Sapp, of Napa County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Third District Court of Appeal. Sapp has served in multiple roles at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom including as the Legal Affairs Secretary since 2022, as the Chief Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary from 2021 to 2022, and as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary from 2019 to 2021. He served as Deputy Policy Director & Assistant Legal Counsel at the California State Board of Education from 2016 to 2019. Sapp worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California as Director of Education Advocacy from 2014 to 2016 and as Staff Attorney from 2009 to 2014. He served as a Law Clerk at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 2008 to 2009. He worked as a Skadden Fellow and Staff Attorney at the Advocates for Children’s Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina from 2006 to 2008. Sapp served as a Law Clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama from 2005 to 2006. Sapp received a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Laurie Earl. If confirmed, Sapp will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Ronald Robie after Justice Robie completes his term of office on January 4, 2027, and Sapp’s appointment to a term beginning January 4, 2027 will be subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Sapp is a Democrat.

 

 

Lauri Damrell, of Sacramento County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Third District Court of Appeal. Damrell has served as a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court since 2018. She has worked as an Adjunct Professor at Lincoln Law School since 2022 and as a visiting lecturer at the University of California, Davis since 2019. Damrell worked in several roles at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe including as Partner from 2016 to 2018 and as Associate from 2006 to 2016. She served as Deputy District Attorney at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in 2014. Damrell served as a Law Clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California from 2005 to 2006. Darmrell received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Lauri Earl. If confirmed, she will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Elena J. Duarte, and Damrell’s appointment to a term beginning January 4, 2027 will be subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Damrell is registered as No Party Preference.

 

Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One

 

 

Marsha Amin, of San Diego County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One. Amin has served as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court since 2023. She served as Managing Attorney at the Fourth District Court of Appeal from 2018 to 2023 and served as Senior Attorney from 2011 to 2018. She was a Litigation Attorney at Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch from 2006 to 2010. Amin worked as a Law Clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 2005 to 2006. Amin received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the death of Justice Joan Irion. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. Amin is a Democrat.

 

 

Lisa Rodriguez, of San Diego County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One. Rodriguez has served as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court since 2015. She has worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 2014. Rodriguez served as a Deputy District Attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2015. She served as a Deputy City Attorney at the San Diego City Attorney's Office from 1996 to 1998.  Rodriguez received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. If confirmed, Rodriguez will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Terry B. O’Rourke after Justice O’Rourke completes his term of office on January 4, 2027, and Rodriguez’s appointment to a term beginning January 4, 2027 will be subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Rodriguez is a Democrat.

 

Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three

 

 

Juliet Macaulay, of Orange County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Macaulay has served as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court since 2022. She held various roles at the California Department of Social Services including as Chief Administrative Law Judge from 2020 to 2022, Presiding Administrative Law Judge from 2016 to 2020, and Administrative Law Judge from 2012 to 2016. Macaulay held various roles at the California Board of Parole Hearings including as a Commissioner in 2011 and a Deputy Commissioner from 2004 to 2011. She was a Sole Practitioner at the Law Offices of Juliet Macaulay from 1997 to 2004. Macaulay received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Ibadan. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. If confirmed, she will fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Joanne Motoike to Presiding Justice, and Macaulay’s appointment to a term beginning January 4, 2027 will be subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Macaulay is a Democrat.

 

Sixth District Court of Appeal

 

 

Frederick Chung, of Santa Clara County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Sixth District Court of Appeal. Chung has served as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court since 2018. He worked as a Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher from 2003 to 2018. Chung worked as an Associate at Morrison & Foerster from 1996 to 2003. He served as a Law Clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1995 to 1996. Chung received a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Mary Greenwood. If confirmed, Chung will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Adrienne Grover after Justice Grover completes her term of office on January 4, 2027, and Chung’s appointment to a term beginning January 4, 2027 will be subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Chung is a Democrat. The compensation for each of these positions is $280,052.

CJA hearings Aug. 6

The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold in-person hearings in San Francisco on Thursday, August 6, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. to consider appointments by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The following is the morning schedule for the Second District:

• 9:00 a.m.: Justice Tari Cody as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura)
• 10:00 a.m.: Judge Nicholas Daum as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Four (Los Angeles)

The hearing webcast will be streamed live via the Upcoming Events link on the California Courts Newsroom.

The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold a public hearing in San Francisco on Thursday, August 06, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. to consider Governor Gavin Newsom's appointment of Judge Charles F. Adams as Associate Justice of the Sixth District Court of Appeal.

The DJ has Cody confirmed to lead 2nd District's Division 6, 3 other judges elevated to Court of Appeal -- Justice Tari Cody is the first woman to lead the Ventura-based court. 5th District Justice Sunny S. Sandhu is the first Sikh justice in California. And Justice Nicholas F. Daum dreamed of being a part of the legal profession from an early age, his mother testified.

4/3 research atty appointed to OCSC

Thomas Fay, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Fay has served as a Lead Appellate Attorney at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three since 2023, where he also served as a Senior Appellate Attorney from 2020 to 2023. He worked as an Associate at multiple firms including at Murtaugh Treglia Stern & Deily from 2014 to 2020 and at Ezer Williamson Law from 2013 to 2014. Fay received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Effective June 29, 2026, he will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael J. Strickroth. Fay is a Democrat.

Judicial Council news

The DJ has Chief Justice Guerrero appoints eight new Judicial Council members -- Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero appointed four voting and four advisory Judicial Council members from courts, court administration and private practice, while reappointing six members and recognizing nine departing council members.

• Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood of the 6th District Court of Appeal and Alameda County Superior Court Executive Officer Chad Finke will begin their terms July 1. Greenwood joins as a voting member
• Greenwood oversees administration of the appellate court's district and previously served in leadership roles in Santa Clara County Superior Court's family division. Finke brings 25 years of judicial branch experience, including service at the Judicial Council and on statewide court budget and administration committees.
• The chief justice also reappointed six current council members effective Sept. 15, including California Supreme Court Justice Carol A. Corrigan and 1st District Court of Appeal Clerk/Executive Officer Charles Johnson
• Council members concluding their terms this year include Justice Joan K. Irion

SAJEC needs your input!

The LACBA State Appellate Judicial Evaluation Committee (SAJEC) is evaluating four Los Angeles Superior Court judges for possible appointment to the Second District Court of Appeal: Elizabeth Bradley, Alexander Giza, Marisa Hernández-Stern, and Cindy Pánuco. If you have input on any of the candidates, please complete the relevant questionnaires linked below. Elaborations in the comments fields are especially helpful. To provide input beyond the questionnaire, contact committee chair Alana Rotter at arotter@gmsr.com. SAJEC appreciates your help!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HonElizabethBradley

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HonAlexanderGiza

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HonMarisaHernandezStern

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HonCindyPanuco

4 appellate nominations!

Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of four Court of Appeal Justices: Justice Tari Cody, to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six, Judge Nicholas Daum to the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four, Judge Sonny S. Sandhu to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, and Judge Charles Adams to the Sixth District Court of Appeal.

Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six

 

 

Tari Cody, of Ventura County, has been nominated to serve as Presiding Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six, where she has served as an Associate Justice since 2023. Cody has served as a Judge in the Ventura County Superior Court from 2000 to 2023. She was an Associate at Lemieux & O’Neill from 1994 to 2000. She was a Partner at Nordman, Cormany, Hair & Compton from 1990 to1994 where she also worked as an Associate from 1985 to 1990. Cody received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Arthur Gilbert. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointaments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. Cody is a Democrat.

 

Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four

 

 

Nicholas Daum, of Los Angeles County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four. Daum has served as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2022. He was an Associate and Partner at Kendall Brill & Kelly from 2009 to 2022. He was an Associate at Susman Godfrey from 2004 to 2009. Daum received a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Audrey B. Collins. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. Daum is a Democrat.

 

Fifth District Court of Appeal

 

 

Sonny S. Sandhu, of Stanislaus County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Sandhu has served as a Judge in the Stanislaus County Superior Court since 2018, where he has also served as Presiding Judge for the last year. He served multiple roles at the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office including as the Public Defender from 2017 to 2018, the Chief Deputy Public Defender from 2015 to 2017, and as a Deputy Public Defender from 2003 to 2015. Sandhu received a Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University College of Law. He will fill the vacancy to be created by the retirement of Justice Rosendo Peňa, Jr., effective June 29, 2026. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Brad Hill. Sandhu is a Democrat.

 

Sixth District Court of Appeal

 

 

Charles Adams, of Santa Clara County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Sixth District Court of Appeal. Adams has served as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court since 2018. He served as an Administrative Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California from 2011 to 2018. Adams served as a Staff Attorney and Legal Research Attorney at the Santa Clara County Superior Court from 2006 to 2011. He was an Associate at Voss & Associates from 2005 to 2006 and from 2003 to 2004. Adams was an Associate at McDermott & McNamara from 2004 to 2005. Adams received a Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Mary Greenwood. Adams is a Democrat. The compensation for each of these positions is $280,052 Also of appellate note: Jennifer Logue nominated for the Contra Costa Superior Court worked as a 9th Circuit Staff Attorney (2001-06); David Perkiss nominated to LASC was a Research Attorney at the 2d District, Div. 1 (2018-19); Adam Romero nominated to LASC was a 9th Circuit law clerk (2008-09); and Lisa Hoffman nominated to the Santa Clara Superior Court was also a 9th Cir. law clerk (2008-09).

The Recorder has Newsom Continues Justice Appointment Spree, Naming Four to Courts of Appeal

The MetNews has Gilbert Hails Nomination of Cody as Court of Appeal Presiding Justice / Daum Is Chosen as Associate Justice

Five new Justices confirmed!

The DJ reports: Newsom appellate picks confirmed despite rare opposition at hearing.

The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed five of Gov. Gavin Newsom's appellate nominees Friday, including the elevation of Associate Justice Joanne Motoike to presiding justice of the 4th District Court of Appeal's Santa Ana division. The hearings were largely routine except for a rare public challenge to Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Stephen Goorvitch — nominated to the 2nd District, Division Two — from a self-represented litigant who accused him of bias and retaliation in a malpractice case. The commission confirmed Goorvitch regardless. Also confirmed: Fresno County Superior Court Judge Amy Guerra to the 5th District, Imperial County Superior Court Judge Eran M. Bermudez to the 4th District, Division One in San Diego, and Orange County Superior Court Judge Deborah C. Servino to the 4th District, Division Three in Santa Ana. All five were sworn in Friday.

Goorvitch CJA hearing May 22

Commission to Consider Appointment to the 2nd District Court of Appeal
The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold a public hearing in San Francisco on Friday, May 22, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. to consider Governor Gavin Newsom's appointment of Judge Stephen Goorvitch as Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Two.
The live webcast will begin on the Judicial Council's video streaming platform on May 22 at 9:30 a.m.

2 new Justices!

Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of two Court of Appeal Justices:

Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One

 

 

Eran Marie Bermudez, of Imperial County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One. Bermudez has served as a Judge in the Imperial County Superior Court since 2018. She worked as a Compliance Resolution Officer at the University of California, San Diego from 2016 to 2018. Bermudez worked as a Partner at Garcia Hernandez Sawhney from 2011 to 2016. She worked as an Associate at Best Best & Krieger from 2005 to 2011. Bermudez received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Richard D. Huffman. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerro, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. Bermudez is a Democrat.

 

Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three

 

 

Deborah C. Servino, of Orange County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Servino has served as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court since 2009. She served as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Attorney General’s Office from 1997 to 2009. She worked as an Associate at Rutan & Tucker from 1996 to 1997. She served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1995 to 1996. Servino received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Thomas M. Goethals. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerro, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. Servino is registered without party preference.  The compensation for each of these positions is $280,052

SAJEC seeking info for 2d Dist. candidate

The LACBA State Appellate Judicial Evaluation Committee (SAJEC) is evaluating Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge Denise Hippach for possible appointment to the Second District Court of Appeal.  If you have input on Judge Hippach, please complete the questionnaire linked below. Elaborations in the comments fields are especially helpful. To provide input beyond the questionnaire, contact committee chair Alana Rotter at arotter@gmsr.com.  SAJEC appreciates your help!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SAJECHippach

Bahar to LASC!

Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of 15 Superior Court Judges, including some with appellate backgrounds, including Naz Bahar (a CAAL member, former LABA President, and former Chair of LACBA's Appellate Courts Section):

Sarvenaz Bahar, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Bahar has been the owner of the Bahar Law Office since 2008. She worked as an Associate and Of Counsel at Morrison & Foerster from 1993 to 2008. Bahar worked as a Sophie Silberberg Fellow at Human Rights Watch from 1992 to 1993. Bahar received a Juris Doctor degree from Yale University. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jacqueline H. Lewis. Bahar is a Democrat.

Up north, Amanda Karl has been appointed to Contra Costa Superior Court. She worked at the 9th Circuit 2014-2015.

3 appellate appointments!

Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of three Court of Appeal Justices: Justice Joanne Motoike as Presiding Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, Judge Stephen Goorvitch as Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Two, and Judge Amy Guerra as Associate Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeal.

Second District Court of Appeal, Division Two



Stephen Goorvitch, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as an Associate Justice in the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Two. Goorvitch has served as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2015. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California from 2007 to 2015. He was Counsel at O’Melveny and Myers from 2003 to 2007. Goorvitch served as a law clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2002 to 2003 and in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California from 2001 to 2002. He served as a Staff Attorney in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 1998 to 2001. Goorvitch received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Judith T. Ashmann-Gerst. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Francis Rothschild. Goorvitch is a Democrat.
Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three



Joanne Motoike, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as the Presiding Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Motoike has served as an Associate Justice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three since 2022. Motoike served as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court from 2013 to 2022. She served as a Senior Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 2008 to 2013. Motoike worked as a Trial Attorney at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal from 2006 to 2008. She served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 1994 to 2006. Motoike received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. Motoike is a Democrat.
Fifth District Court of Appeal



Amy Guerra, of Fresno County, has been appointed to serve as an Associate Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Guerra has served as a Judge in the Fresno County Superior Court since 2018. Guerra worked as the Chief Defense Attorney at the Fresno County Alternate Defense Office from 2014 to 2018, where she also worked as an Associate from 2007 to 2014. Guerra received a Juris Doctor degree from the San Joaquin College of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Bruce Smith. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justice Brad Hill. Guerra is a Democrat.

The compensation for each of these positions is $280,052

Plus, Commissioner Victoria Shapiro has been appointed to LASC. She served as the Lead Judicial Attorney at the Second District Court of Appeal since 2021, where she also served as a Senior Judicial Attorney from 2016 to 2021 and as a Judicial Attorney from 2015 to 2016.

And, Carl Chamberlin, of San Francisco County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Chamberlin has served as the Lead Appellate Court Attorney at the First District Court of Appeal, First Appellate District since 1999.

The DJ has Newsom elevates three to appellate courts, names seven trial judges -- Gov. Gavin Newsom nominated three justices to the state Courts of Appeal and appointed seven Superior Court judges in five counties, continuing a reshaping of California's judiciary.

The MetNews has Newsom Taps Goorvitch for Court of Appeal Seat.