California Governor Newsom Announces Six New Superior Court Appointments
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California Governor gavin Newsom recently announced six appointments too Superior Courts across the state, filling vacancies created by retirements. These appointments include judges in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Clara, Shasta, and Sutter Counties. The appointees bring a diverse range of legal experience, from civil litigation and public defence to family law and county counsel work.
San Francisco County: Dean Juneja
Dean Juneja has been appointed to the Superior Court in San Francisco, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Valerie R. Chrissakis. Juneja currently serves as a Deputy Public Defender in San Francisco,a position he has held since 2018. Prior to that, he was an associate at the law firm of Keker, Van Nest & Peters. He earned his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Governor’s Office Press Release).
Los Angeles County: karine Mkrtchyan
Commissioner Karine Mkrtchyan has been elevated to Superior Court judge in Los Angeles county. Before becoming a commissioner in 2023, Mkrtchyan was a partner at Fraser, Watson & Croutch, specializing in civil litigation. She previously practiced at several defense firms.Mkrtchyan is a graduate of Southwestern Law School and fills the seat vacated by Judge Fumiko H. wasserman (Governor’s Office Press Release).
Orange County: Robert Flory
Robert Flory has been appointed to the Superior Court in Orange County. Flory previously served as a court commissioner earlier in 2024, following a nearly two-decade career as a senior deputy public defender. He also has experience in civil litigation and private practice. He received his law degree from Whittier College School of Law and will succeed retiring Judge Paul Minerich (Governor’s Office Press Release).
Santa Clara County: Ralph Robles
Ralph Robles was named to the Superior Court in Santa Clara County after serving as a commissioner since 2025. Before his role as commissioner,Robles operated his own law firm for over a decade. he is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law and will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Mary E.Arand (Governor’s Office Press release).
Shasta County: Patrick Deedon
Patrick Deedon has been appointed to the Superior Court in Shasta County.A partner at Maire & deedon as 2006, Deedon brings extensive experience in legal practice. He earned his law degree from Cal Northern School of Law and will replace retiring Judge Stephen H. Baker (Governor’s Office Press Release).
Sutter County: Tahmina Morrow
Tahmina Morrow will join the bench as a Superior Court judge in Sutter County. Currently serving as chief deputy county counsel for Yuba county, Morrow previously practiced family and civil law in private firms. She is a graduate of McGeorge School of Law and will succeed retiring judge Laura J. Davis (Governor’s Office Press Release).
Key Takeaways:
* Governor Newsom continues to fill judicial vacancies across California.
* The appointees represent a diverse range of legal backgrounds.
* These appointments address vacancies created by retiring judges.
* The appointments reflect a commitment to filling positions with experienced legal professionals.
These appointments demonstrate Governor Newsom’s ongoing effort to ensure a well-qualified judiciary throughout California. As these new judges take their positions, they will contribute to the administration of justice in their respective counties and across the state.
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