2 new Justices!

Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of two Court of Appeal Justices: Judge Marsha Amin to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One and Judge Deborah Servino to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. 

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

Amicus proposals scrapped

Reuters reports US judicial panel scraps key provision in amicus brief disclosure rule

Federal judicial rulemakers on Thursday voted to abandon a key part of a proposed rule governing the disclosure of who finances friend-of-the-court briefs after top judges expressed concern the measure could interfere with the ​privacy of advocacy groups and their members.
The unanimous vote by the U.S. Judicial Conference's Advisory Committee ‌on Appellate Rules marked the latest instance of the judiciary reducing the disclosure obligations for amicus brief filers in the long-debated measure, which was originally aimed at addressing transparency concerns.

Law360 has Sotomayor Apologizes For 'Hurtful' Comments About Kavanaugh

 And check out CSBA's latest article: 6 Common Misconceptions About Appeal Bonds

Eastman disbarred

Attorney John Eastman Disbarred by the California Supreme Court -- “Today’s California Supreme Court order disbarring John Charles Eastman from the practice of law in California affirms the fundamental principle that attorneys must act with honesty and uphold the rule of law, regardless of the client they represent or the context in which that representation occurs,” said State Bar Chief Trial Counsel George Cardona

The DJ has John Eastman to appeal state Supreme Court's disbarment decision -- The constitutional law expert said the disbarment violated his First Amendment rights, including his "professional speech."

The MetNews has California Supreme Court Disbars Ex-Dean John Eastman

Comments Requested on Rule Proposals

The Judicial Council just published invitations to comment on some major appellate rules changes.

SPR26-01: Appellate Procedure: Required Use of Appendixes in Civil Appeals -- The Appellate Advisory Committee proposes amending five California Rules of Court to require parties represented by counsel to use appendixes in unlimited and limited civil appeals. This proposal is designed to expedite the record-preparation process in civil appeals. This proposal originated from a recommendation of the former Chief Justice’s Appellate Caseflow Workgroup.

SPR26-02:  Appellate Procedure: Record Designation Rules and Forms -- The Appellate Advisory Committee proposes revising forms APP-001-INFO, APP-003, APP-010, APP-101-INFO, APP-103, and APP-110—and approving forms APP-003A, APP-003B, APP-003C, and APP-003D—to simplify and improve the clarity of the recorddesignation process.

 SPR26-03: Appellate Procedure: Record in Felony Appeals -- The Appellate Advisory Committee proposes amending California Rules of Court, rule 8.320, to clarify what must be included in the record in criminal felony appeals.

SPR26-04: Appellate Procedure: Clarify Rule Requiring Notice of Failure to Procure the Record -- The Appellate Advisory Committee proposes amending California Rules of Court, rule 8.140 to add an advisory committee comment providing examples of acts requiring the superior court to notify a litigant they have failed to timely do an act required to procure the record on appeal in a civil case. This proposal was prompted by a suggestion from the chair of a county bar association’s appellate law section

SPR25-05: AppellateProcedure: Extension-of-Time Order in Limited Civil, Misdemeanor, andInfraction Appeals -- The Appellate Advisory Committee proposes approving a new optional form for issuing an order on an application for an extension of time to file a brief in limited civil, misdemeanor, and infraction appeals. This proposal originated from a suggestion by the Committee on Appellate Courts of the California Lawyers Association’s Litigation Section.

SPR26-06: CEQA Actions: Implementation of Senate Bill 676 -- The Appellate Advisory Committee and the Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee recommend amending seven California Rules of Court governing the expedited resolution of actions and proceedings brought under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to implement Senate Bill 676 (Stats. 2025, ch. 550), which provides streamlined CEQA review for certain projects to “maintain, repair, restore, demolish, or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed by wildfire.”

SPR26-14: CivilPractice and Procedure: Statement of Decision Rules and Forms to ImplementAssembly Bill 515 -- The Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee and the Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee propose amending two rules of court and approving four Judicial Council forms relating to statements of decision.

DJ honors ADR neutrals

Today the DJ publishes its Resolution Issue insert (an annual statewide roundup of neutrals focusing on ADR). Naturally a number of retired justices are included: Richard Aldrich, Bill Bedsworth, Victoria Chaney, Maria Rivera, and Bruce Smith.

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

Sanctions!

1/4 publishes an appellate sanctions opinion today against a pro per appellant. The cost of the frivolous appeal? $10,000 to the court of appeal, plus the amount of reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in responding to the appeal to the respondent.

MetNews article is Pro Per Must Pay $10,000 in Sanctions for Persistent Frivolity -- Opinion Says Case Involves Relentless Litigant With ‘Disturbing Lack of Candor’

CJMP free program May 12

The California Judicial Mentor Program (Appellate) presents: Leading an Enriching Life: Enhancing Your Judicial Application

Learn how building a supportive network, engaging in community service, and doing your job with purpose and excellence can help you do much more than respond to questions on your judicial application. It can enrich your life!
May 12 @ 12:15

Moderated by Research Attorney Jennifer Chen, and featuring retired Judge Jeremy Fogel, retired Justice Martin Jenkins, Justice Hernaldo Baltodano, and Judge Amy Guerra.

2d Dist. Appellate Self-Help Clinic Temporary Closure

Public Counsel's Appellate Clinic for Self-Represented Litigants in the Ronald Reagan State Building in Los Angeles will be temporarily closed from April 17, 2026, until further notice. No telephone or in-person appointments will be scheduled during this time. However, while the clinic is closed, you can still access helpful legal resources and information online. Visit publiccounsel.org for self-help guides, forms, and videos for self-represented litigants. The Public Counsel remains committed to serving the community and will resume services as soon as possible.

CEB has: Download What 2025’s California Family Law Appellate Decisions Reveal About Reversal Risk in 2026 to see how recent appellate opinions are shaping family law litigation and review.

LACBA ADR award to J.Bendix

The LA County Bar Association's Alternative Dispute Resolution Section will be honoring Justice Helen Bendix with its inaugural ADR Distinguished Service Award, on May 5 from to 7 p.m. at ADR Services (550 S. Hope). Justice Bendix chaired the Los Angeles Superior Court’s ADR Committee and the Judicial Council’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee’s ADR Subcommittee, and she was a founding member of LACBA's ADR Section.

SCCLA Awards Banquet

 

Last night was SCCLA's 51st Anniversary Installation & Awards Banquet honoring LASC Judge Elaine Lu. Turnout by fellow LASC judges was high, as well as by appellate justices including Carlos Moreno (ret.), Michelle Kim, Helen Zukin, Audra Mori, and Brian Hoffstadt.

3d Dist. pro tem update

In the 3d District, Associate Justice Rebecca A. Wiseman, retired, will be sitting in pro tempore beginning July 15, 2023, through June 14, 2026.

CJP hearing means remote args in 2d 4/27 to 5/15

Remote Oral Argument - April 27, 2026, through May 15, 2026

All oral arguments before the Second Appellate District in Los Angeles will be conducted remotely from April 27, 2026, through May 15, 2026. This temporary change is necessary because courtroom facilities will be used for a Commission on Judicial Performance hearing scheduled during that period. Counsel and self-represented parties will receive instructions for remote participation with their calendar notices.

The MetNews explains CJP Hearing on Draper Expected to Last Three Weeks -- "The Commission on Judicial Performance’s hearing on disciplinary charges against Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert S. Draper is expected to stretch over three weeks, it was learned yesterday. The commission announced on April 2 that the public hearing would “begin on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District"

See also: CJP to Conduct Hearing on Charges Against Judge Draper Prior to June 2 Election

LACBA's Appellate Courts Section presents Meet the New Justices 2026, May 27 @ 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Court of Appeal's 3d Floor Conference Room (300 S. Spring St., LA).

The Justices will be Michelle Kim, Anne Richardson, Mark Hanasono, and Armen Tamzarian.

RPJ Gilbert on AI & Bob Gerstein / Law360 Eddy Bds

Today's DJ has retired PJ Gilbert's 'The horror! The horror!' Reliance on algorithmic decision-making risks eroding human judgment, judicial integrity and the intellectual craftsmanship that defines the law. He writes:

AI could never match the elegant writing of my dear friend, appellate lawyer Bob Gerstein, who passed away on March 19. I mention Bob because of the clarity of his writing, his elegant style that I dare AI to match. Bob was the supreme appellate lawyer. "Supreme" is the appropriate description because Bob was highly respected by our Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal throughout California and beyond. No AI for Bob. He crafted elegant briefs that reflected the depth of his knowledge. His legal insights were often enhanced by his broad storehouse of knowledge of philosophy and the arts. He delivered his arguments in a gentle manner with irrefutable logic. Bob, I miss you, but take heart knowing that your influence and our friendship continue.

For over a decade Bob and I taught a class for new trial judges at California's unique judges' college. Our course included ways in which a judge could analyze how to decide a case for which there was no ready answer in statutes or past case law. We drew upon the works of legal philosophers and the humanities to give judges a rich storehouse to draw upon. Our course drew rave reviews. But with changing of the guard and new management, our course was dropped without so much as a "thank you," keeping in vogue with current mores. Imagine having judges read passages of legal philosophy, Measure for Measure, in addition to case law, as a component of their legal education. The horror, the horror in not doing so. Maybe we should have asked ChatGPT to summarize Measure for Measure.

The LA Times obit for Bob Gerstein is here.

Law360 has 6th Circ. Axes Atty For 'Inexcusable' AI 'Transgressions' -- "An attorney committed "inexcusable transgressions" by relying on Westlaw's internal CoCounsel artificial intelligence platform for appellate filings and by failing to catch erroneous AI-generated content, the Sixth Circuit said Friday and removed the lawyer from further representing a man who pled guilty to drug trafficking charges." Published opinion here.

Law.com has 'No Forewarning Necessary': Divided 3rd Circuit Weighs Discipline for Attorney's Use of AI Hallucinations -- The dissenting judge said that the majority doesn't need to warn attorneys to use artificial intelligence responsibly, opining that "[n]o forewarning is necessary when it is clear what standard the attorney was required to follow."
Law360 announces practitioner Editorial Board members for 2026. For its Appellate coverage, there's an eddy board of a dozen appellate lawyers (7 in DC). California's two selections cover the north (MoFo SF's Aileen McGrath) and the south (Duane Morris LA's Ben Shatz).

Reminder: 4/6 deadline for CAAL Fellowship Program

 

CAAL Fellowship Program

The California Academy of Appellate Lawyers is proud to announce the opening of the application period for the 2026-2027 Fellowship Program.

The Fellowship Program has two main goals:
(1) To increase the diversity of participants in the Academy’s educational and social programs, and
(2) To introduce the Academy to appellate lawyers for future candidacy.

The following qualifications will be considered in selecting participants in the Fellowship Program:
(1) Good character and professional reputation,
(2) Outstanding appellate skills and ability, and
(3) A continuing commitment to quality appellate practice.

To qualify for candidacy, a Fellow must have been a member of the California Bar for at least 3 years, and must spend a substantial amount of time on appellate work in a typical year.

Additionally, the Academy will consider an applicant’s contribution to the diversity of participants in the Academy’s programs, which includes (but is not limited to) geographic location, area of practice, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.

The application period will be open through April 6, 2026. To apply, please go to https://calappellate.org/fellowship-program/fellowship-application

For more information or with questions, please contact Stephanie Finelli at steph@finellilaw.com

Pro tem updates

Pro tem assignment for the First District:

• Judge Andrew Sweet of Marin County Superior Court will be sitting pro tempore in Division Four until May 31, 2026

AND Pro tem assignment for the Sixth District:

• Judge Frederick S. Chung of the Santa Clara County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem until May 31, 2026

9th Cir. 2025 Annual Report

The 9th Circuit's 2025 Annual Report is now available!

2d District pro tem update

The following are currently sitting on assignment in the 2d District:

• ​​​​​​Judge Stephen Goorvitch of the Los Angeles County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Two through May 31, 2026
• Judge Syda K. Cogliati of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Four through May 22, 2026
• Judge Sanjay Kumar (Retired) of the Los Angeles County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Five through April 20, 2026
• Judge Craig B. Van Rooyen of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Six through May 31, 2026
• Judge Alexander C.D. Giza of the Los Angeles County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Seven through April 30, 2026

LASC wins Justice Chin Tech Innovation Award

The DJ has LA Superior Court chatbot CourtHelp wins Justice Chin innovation award -- The court won the 2026 Justice Chin Technology Innovation Award for its AI chatbot, which improved access by guiding users to court information and services efficiently online.

• The Los Angeles County Superior Court has received the 2026 Justice Chin Technology Innovation Award for its artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, CourtHelp, which expands public access to court services.
• The award was presented by retired California Supreme Court Justice Ming Chin at the statewide Judicial Branch Technology Summit in San Francisco on March 11. It recognizes courts that use technology to improve access to justice. The honor highlights the growing role of digital tools in helping court systems better serve the public.

• The Justice Chin Technology Innovation Award, first presented in 2023, underscores the judiciary's increasing focus on modernizing services and improving user experience through innovation.

CLA Appellate Summit May 14-15

 

Join us for the 10th Annual Litigation and Appellate Summit! The Summit features a variety of programs of interest to all trial and appellate practitioners, including two keynote speakers (State Senator Tom Umberg and California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger); our updates panel covering important legislative and case law developments for litigators, appellate lawyers, and ADR practitioners; appellate specialization and other specialty MCLE credits; and much more.

JW Marriot San Francisco Union Square, 515 Mason St., San Francisco