J.Sanchez to retire

Justice Maurice Sanchez to retire from the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three

Associate Justice Maurice Sanchez of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three, will retire on October 2, 2026, after a remarkable and distinguished 45-year legal career. Justice Sanchez was the first Latino, the first person of color, and the first Orange County native to serve as a Justice on the Fourth District, Division Three in its 43-year history.

2d Dist bids Farewell to Edmon & Collins

Second Appellate District Bids Farewell to Presiding Justice Lee Edmon and Associate Justice Audrey Collins -- The Second Appellate District marks the retirement of two long-serving colleagues, Presiding Justice Lee Smalley Edmon of Division Three and Associate Justice Audrey B. Collins of Division Four, both effective at the end of June 2026. Together, their nearly two decades on this court reflect a shared commitment to public service that shaped not just their divisions, but the district as a whole. The court extends its deepest gratitude for their years of dedicated service.

The DJ has 2nd District Court of Appeal loses two longtime justices to retirement -- Two longtime 2nd District Court of Appeal justices, Lee Smalley Edmon and Audrey B. Collins, retired at the end of June after distinguished careers spanning California state and federal courts.

2d Dist. pro tem update

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

• Judge Melanie P. Ochoa of the Los Angeles County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Three through August 31, 2026
• Judge Curtis E.A. Karnow (Retired) of the San Francisco County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Three through July 24, 2026
• Judge Vicki Ashworth (Retired) of the El Dorado County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Three through August 14, 2026
• Judge Syda K. Cogliati of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Four through July 22, 2026
• Judge Sanjay Kumar (Retired) of the Los Angeles County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Five through August 19, 2026
• Judge Ronda J. McKaig of the Ventura County Superior Court will be sitting Pro Tem in Division Six through July 31, 2026

Also, 2/3's PJ Edmon and 2/4's Justice Collins have "left the building" (i.e., are now off the website of active justices on the website for former justices).

J.Duarte to retire

Today's DJ has 3rd District Justice Elena Duarte to retire after 15 years -- Justice Elena J. Duarte will retire at the end of May after 15 years on the appellate bench and a judicial career spanning nearly two decades.

The 3d District's News Release is here: Third Appellate District Associate Justice Elena J. Duarte to Retire

J.Klatchko to JAMS

 JAMS announces:

Hon. Kira L. Klatchko (Ret.) has joined JAMS, bringing extensive judicial and appellate experience and a practical, court- informed approach to dispute resolution. Based in the Century City Resolution Center, Judge Klatchko will serve as an arbitrator, mediator, court-appointed neutral (special master/referee) and neutral evaluator, handling appellate, business and commercial, real estate and real property, employment, construction, civil rights, government and public agency, professional liability and family law matters.

Justice Jenkins farewell video posted

Video: California Supreme Court Honors Retired Justice Martin Jenkins

The California Supreme Court concluded its oral argument session Wednesday with an emotional sendoff to colleague Justice Martin Jenkins, who retired after five years with the court and more than 35 years of judicial service.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said Jenkins had worked “tirelessly to improve the administration of justice for all of our courts…as we try to grapple with the most challenging legal and practical problems facing our state.”

“Thank you for your invaluable service to the people of this state,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. “You’ve had a remarkable and distinguished career, serving at virtually every level of both our state and federal courts. At each stage, you have served with integrity and distinction.”

Jenkins, 71, was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 and was the first openly gay justice and the third African-American man to serve on the court.

Jenkins spent almost two years advising Governor Newsom on judicial appointments prior to filling the vacancy on the court created by Justice Ming Chin’s retirement. Before joining the Newsom administration, Jenkins served as an associate justice on the First District Court of Appeal from 2008 to 2019 and as a federal district judge at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1997 to 2008. Earlier, Jenkins served as a judge on the Alameda County Superior Court (1992–1997) and on the Oakland Municipal Court (1989–1992). Jenkins’s prior experience as a practitioner included three years as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and three years as a prosecutor with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

Distinguished Service Award for PJ Gilbert

Judicial Council Announces 2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipients

The Judicial Council of California today announced three recipients of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes people and organizations for their extraordinary leadership and contributions to the administration of justice in California. This year’s recipients are Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert, Judge Jonathan Conklin, and Court Executive Officer Rebecca Fleming.



Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert
Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura)

Throughout his 50 years on the bench, Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert has sought to improve the statewide administration of justice. He has served on many Judicial Council committees, including the Court Interpreters Advisory Panel, Advisory Committee on Legal Forms, and the Center for Judicial Education and Research Governing Committee.

Having a passion for judicial education and raising the public’s awareness of the courts, Presiding Justice Gilbert has served as faculty for many judicial education programs, lectured frequently at State Bar events, and participated in moot court sessions at law schools. His long-time monthly Daily Journal column “Under Submission” also serves to spread his knowledge of the courts and the rule of law to fellow judges and attorneys. In addition, his “Gilbert Submits” blog features popular legal commentary from his Daily Journal columns—more than 300 pieces spanning two decades, compiled into two books.

Presiding Justice Gilbert began his judicial service at the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1975, was appointed to the Court of Appeal by former Governor Jerry Brown in 1982, and became presiding justice of his division in 1999. He has served on several Governors' judicial selection committees to help recruit and evaluate qualified applicants for judicial appointment, helping to diversify the applicant pool to communities that have been underrepresented.

J.Jenkins to retire

California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Jenkins to Retire
Associate Justice Martin J. Jenkins will retire from the California Supreme Court at the end of October after five years with the court and more than 35 years of judicial service.

Associate Justice Martin J. Jenkins will retire from the California Supreme Court at the end of October after five years with the court and more than 35 years of judicial service.

“I could not imagine a better capstone to my career on the bench than serving on the California Supreme Court,” said Jenkins, who was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 and is the first openly gay justice and the third African-American man to serve on the court. “Having been a judge at every level of the state court system and with the federal district court, I have seen firsthand how judges and justices at each stage of the judicial process faithfully apply the law in a fair and empathetic manner,” said Jenkins. “I have strived to do the same as a trial judge, at the First District Court of Appeal, and finally, at the California Supreme Court.”

Jenkins, 71, spent almost two years advising Governor Newsom on judicial appointments prior to filling the vacancy on the court created by Associate Justice Ming Chin’s retirement. Before joining the Newsom administration, Jenkins served as an associate justice on the First District Court of Appeal from 2008 to 2019 and as a federal district judge at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1997 to 2008. Earlier, Jenkins served as a judge on the Alameda County Superior Court (1992–1997) and on the Oakland Municipal Court (1989–1992). Jenkins’s prior experience as a practitioner included three years as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and three years a prosecutor with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

“It has been an honor to work with Justice Jenkins at the court,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “His collegiality, and the thoughtfulness and care with which he has approached his work, have provided a constant source of inspiration. I speak for all of my colleagues when I thank Justice Jenkins for his many contributions to the court, to the public, and to the law.”

The MetNews has Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins to Retire

Bloomberg Law has California Justice Jenkins to Retire from State’s High Court

Law360 has Calif. Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins To Retire - Law360

KO to JAMS

The DJ reports Former presiding justice of 4th District joins JAMS -- Kathleen O'Leary will handle appellate, business and commercial, civil rights, government, employment, insurance, personal injury and real estate disputes as an arbitrator, mediator, neutral evaluator, and court-appointed special master or referee.

• O'Leary served on the California Court of Appeal from 2000 to 2025, including 13 years as presiding justice. She heard thousands of civil and criminal matters and authored roughly 2,600 opinions, nearly 200 of them published.

2/2's J.Ashmann-Gerst retires

2/2's Justice Ashmann-Gerst's profile has moved from the Justices page to the Former Justices page, indicating she served from 2001 to 2025. Official announcement here.

[10/3 update: The MetNews has Court of Appeal Justice Ashmann-Gerst Retires: The Court of Appeal said in a statement:

“The Second Appellate District extends its deepest gratitude to Justice Ashmann-Gerst for her decades of service to the California judiciary. Her commitment to justice, her leadership in judicial education and court technology, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals have left an indelible mark on California’s legal system. Her thoughtful opinions, her mastery of both criminal and civil law, and her unwavering dedication to the rule of law have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, the bar, and the community.”]

Update: Retired Justice Ashmann-Gerst joins Signature Resolution. 

PJ Gilbert to retire at end of year

Today's DJ has Justice Arthur Gilbert marks 50 years on the bench, looks toward his next act -- A towering figure in California's judiciary and a devoted jazz pianist celebrates five decades on the bench on Monday. Known for his wit, clarity and collegiality, Arthur Gilbert plans to retire at the end of the year.

• Gilbert will mark 50 years of judicial service on Labor Day but won't hang up his robe until the end of the year.
• As he put it in a Daily Journal column last year, "But when I do retire, I hope to get a gig playing standards in a bar. Drop by and request your favorite tune. ... And don't forget the glass filled with dollar bills on the piano. It won't be a bad transition. At least I will still be sitting on the bench."
• Gilbert wrote hundreds of opinions, but his irrepressible voice has had its say beyond the California Official Reports. By his count, he's so far written 364 legal affairs columns for the Daily Journal. In one 2008 offering, he contended that it's a bad idea to include limericks or other poetic forms in legal decisions, lest litigants find it disrespectful. He concluded: "There once was a judge not so solemn. / His opinions solved many a problem. / He often told jokes / To all the good folks. / But limericks he saved for his column."

California SG leaving

Bloomberg Law has California Solicitor General Reflects on 6 Years of ‘Dream Job’

• California Solicitor General Michael Mongan is stepping away from his self-described “job of a lifetime” after six years of maintaining his office’s ascendant growth. “It’s never easy to think about leaving a dream job, especially when there’s a lot of important work going on,” Mongan told Bloomberg Law in an interview. “This transition is going to help me better support the needs of my family.”
• Mongan is stepping down from his day-to-day duties Friday to help with the hiring process for his replacement and begin his transition into private practice in California. Principal Deputy Solicitor General Helen Hong will serve as acting solicitor general until state Attorney General Rob Bonta appoints a new SG in the coming months.
• The SG’s office under Mongan expanded its geographic footprint into Southern California, broadening its recruitment pool to the Los Angeles and San Diego area, the California Department of Justice said. The office now also has the capacity to regularly advise and provide legal opinions to the state AG and other state officials, such as Gov. Gavin Newsom.

4/3's PJ KO retires

Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary to retire from the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three
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. 

5th DCA retirements

The Former Justices page for the 5th District now shows that Justices M. Bruce Smith and Charles S. Poochigian have retired this year.

2/8's J.Grimes retires

Second District Court of Appeal Announces Retirement of Justice Elizabeth A. Grimes

The Second District Court of Appeal announces the retirement of Associate Justice Elizabeth A. Grimes from Division Eight, effective May 31, 2025. Justice Grimes has served with distinction on the appellate court since her confirmation in April 2010. Her judicial career began with her appointment to the Los Angeles Superior Court in December 1997, where she presided over dependency court, felony calendar court, and general jurisdiction courtrooms in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse and Santa Monica Courthouse. From August 2004 through March 2005, she served as a justice pro tempore to Division Four of the Second District before her permanent appointment.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Justice Grimes earned her law degree from Stanford Law School in 1980, where she served as Associate Editor of the Stanford Law Review. Before joining the bench, she was a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for 18 years, practicing business litigation. Throughout her judicial tenure, she has been active in legal education and professional service, including membership on the Judicial Council Appellate Practice Curriculum Committee and the Editorial Board of California Litigation. Justice Grimes' retirement marks the end of nearly three decades of judicial service to California. The Court expresses its deep appreciation for her distinguished service and wishes her well in retirement.

J.Bamattre-Manoukian retirement

 

Retirement of Associate Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian

Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian retired effective April 30, 2025, after serving for more than 41 years as a judicial officer. She is most grateful to the Honorable Governor George Deukmejian for providing her with the opportunity to serve as a judicial officer. Justice Bamattre-Manoukian is very grateful to her family for their endless love and support. She is also grateful to her colleagues, research attorneys, judicial assistants, and the court staff for their collegiality, support, and excellent work over the years.

Justice Bamattre-Manoukian served as an Associate Justice on the Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District for more than 35 years. She participated in more than 10,300 appellate opinions, authoring over 3,800 of them.

Justice Bamattre-Manoukian previously served as a judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court, the Santa Clara County Municipal Court, and the Orange County Municipal Court. Prior to serving as a judicial officer, she was a deputy district attorney in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Justice Bamattre-Manoukian has mentored many law students throughout her judicial career and has participated in law school, court, and community outreach events to educate law students, lawyers, and members of the public about the legal system and the work of the court.

Justice Bamattre-Manoukian has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles; a Masters degree in public administration from the University of Southern California; a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles; and a Ph.D. in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Justice Bamattre-Manoukian is deeply grateful for her wonderful judicial career and the wonderful opportunity to have served in the judicial branch with dedicated and brilliant jurists, lawyers, law students, court staff and officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol Judicial Protection Section.

4/1's J.Huffman to retire

 

Justice Richard D. Huffman to retire from Fourth Appellate District

Associate Justice Richard D. Huffman of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, will retire on July 1, 2025, following 36 years in Division One.

4/3's J.Goethals retires, joins ADR Services

Today's DJ reports Justice Thomas Goethals retires from 4th District, joins ADR Services

After serving for over two decades on the bench - including nearly eight years on the 4th District Court of Appeal - Justice Thomas M. Goethals has joined ADR Services Inc. as a neutral.
Goethals served on the 4th District from 2017 to 2025, authoring more than 500 legal opinions. He served on the Orange County Superior Court from 2002 to 2017, where he presided over approximately 300 jury trials.

7th Cir. Chief Judge Sykes to go senior

Law.com has 7th Circuit Chief Judge Diane Sykes to Take Senior Status -- Sykes, who joined the Seventh Circuit in 2004 after serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, was reportedly on President Donald Trump’s shortlist of judges to replace Justice Antonin Scalia.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Chief Judge Diane Sykes will be taking senior status on Oct. 1, giving President Donald Trump a seat to fill on the Chicago-based appellate court.

Speaking of the 7th, that court's annual conference will be August 17-19 at the Swissotel in Chicago, and will feature: Paul Clement, Ross Guberman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gilbert King, Elizabeth Prelogar, and others, as well as plenary sessions on AI and the law. Register for the conference by clicking this link: https://registration.crowdcomms.com/benchbarconference25/register

J.Ikuta to go senior

Bloomberg Law reports Ninth Circuit's Ikuta to Step Back, Give Trump Vacancy

• Ikuta plans to take senior status, a form of semi-retirement afforded to judges that allows for a lighter workload, upon the appointment of her successor, a court representative confirmed.
• The court is now closely divided between 16 Democratic-appointed judges and 13 Republican-appointed judges.
• The new vacancy puts Trump at five US circuit court seats to fill in the judiciary. He made 54 lifetime appointments to the US appeals courts in his first term.

The Recorder has Ninth Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta to Take Senior Status

Ikuta is the first appellate judge to announce senior status since Trump started his second term on Jan. 20. There are also vacancies on the First, Fourth and Third circuits for Trump to fill, with the White House yet to name any nominees.

Law360 has Judge Ikuta's Sr. Status Plans Give Trump 9th Circ. Opening

The DJ has 9th Circuit's Sandra Ikuta to take senior status, pending Trump's replacement -- Judge Sandra S. Ikuta has been a prominent conservative voice on the appellate court. She has written major rulings later upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and played a key role in dissenting opinions that led to reversals of the court's liberal-leaning decisions.

On the appellate civility front, see this unpub from 2/4, discussed in the MetNews at Westwood Lawyers Slammed in C.A.Opinion for Second Time for Incivility in Briefing [3/20 update: The DJ has Panel rebukes firm for incivility but says it's right on the merits]