Page 18 - ACTL Journal Win24

As a lawyer, she sought work from the most demanding partners in the most challenging matters; civil law matters from transactional to trial, criminal law matters during eighteen months as an Assistant US Attorney, early leader- ship-management committee as an associate and the fastest possible track to partner. She was in charge of mentoring and training for all associates firm- wide and worked on several pro bono matters that were closest to her heart.
Her response: “First, it’s a highlight of what I do as a judge. We teach students about the three branches of government with emphasis on the importance of a Fair and Impartial Judiciary, following the rule of law and ensuring equal justice and access for everyone before our courts. I will continue to be involved while on the Supreme Court. I cherish the opportunities.”
At the same time, with her husband Joe, she raised their two sons, Anthony and Christopher.
In 2013 she began her meteoric rise as a judge when she applied and was appoint- ed to the San Diego Superior Court. In 2017 she was nominated and confirmed as an Associate Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division 2. In 2022, after exemplary service on both the trial and appellate courts, her nomination and confirmation as Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court was historic, the first Latina. Just months later, yet another historic nomination, the first Latina Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court confirmed, elected by the public and sworn in January 2, 2023.
During the confirmation hearings at the Supreme Court, she was asked a question by then Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, and her answer illuminated two of her most important priorities. The question: Given your valuable and limited time on the Supreme Court, why is our Judges in the Classroom civics education program a high priority for you?
The Chief Justice welcomed everyone, appreciating the opportunity to be with the American College in San Diego. Her commute was not a difficult one as San Diego is her home.
She is familiar with the good work the College has done, including our Task Force on Judicial Independence and the collaboration with the National Association of Women Judges for an adult education pilot program and other notable efforts to
expand the College’s commitment to civics education and nurture the next gen- eration of informed citizens by partnering with the National Constitution Center and their civics education program across the United States. Knowing many of us personally or through our distinguished professional reputations, she can attest that we are uniquely qualified to impart our knowledge and create widespread impact.
The Chief Justice encouraged Fellows to continue to partner with the courts in achieving these objectives. She knows that we share the same commitment to civics education and to ensuring a fair and impartial justice system.
She appreciated the opportunity to share with all of us some of the work that the court is doing to help our efforts to build trust and confidence in our legal system through civics education.
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