California Women Judges

California Women Judges

California Women Judges Newsletter

Our Mission

California Women Judges supports and empowers women judicial officers throughout the state. We advocate for meaningful equity and inclusion of all women within the judicial branch, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender*, or sexual orientation, through education, leadership, mentoring, and outreach.

Join us for CWJ's First Member Only Reception on September 14th at the CJA Annual Meeting
(see below)
Registration Link

President's Message

President Audra Ibarra

Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court

The first time it happened, I was new to the bench, presiding over a criminal calendar. Defendants would step up to the lectern with their attorneys, often looking defeated, deflated, their eyes cast down. When I greeted one defendant, she lifted her head, met my gaze—and in that instant, her whole demeanor changed. Her eyes lit up. She smiled. She became animated as she spoke directly to me. Why? Perhaps it was because we are both women of color. Perhaps it was simply because she saw me seeing her and listening to her. Or perhaps it was both. Whatever the reason, it was a powerful reminder of how important it is to make everyone in court feel seen, heard and comfortable enough to share what they believe. Only then can they truly have their day in court. Only then can every perspective be considered, so that justice may be done.

Why should you join California Women Judges? Because our mission is bigger than professional development. We are building a community—a safe, supportive space where women judges can feel seen, heard, and comfortable enough to share what they believe. Let's be honest: the bench can be an isolating place. As women jurists in this state, we face unique challenges, but also unique opportunities. At CWJ, we want to discuss these issues in a meaningful way that moves us—and our judiciary—toward true equity. These difficult conversations require bravery and honesty, which are easier in a tight-knit community you trust. By connecting you through in-person gatherings, online programs and this newsletter, we invite you to engage in these conversations with us and each other, to support one another and to grow together.

This edition of our newsletter is dedicated to Judge Nicole Bershon, Judge Serena Murillo and all the women bench officers who have courageously shared their stories—their trials and their triumphs—with us. They remind us that we are never alone. They inspire us to be brave, bold and always our best.

And just as in that courtroom moment when one woman lifted her head and saw that she was truly seen and heard—let us commit to truly seeing one another, hearing one another and lifting one another.

Non Solae Estis

You Are Not Alone

By Judge Nicole Bershon
Los Angeles County Superior Court

We all remember receiving "the call" from the Governor, watching the final election returns, or being elected commissioner. That moment likely sparked a recognition that the sacrifices we made or the slights we endured — being overlooked for the best cases, mistaken for the interpreter, failing the work/life balance — had all been worth it.

We had earned a seat at the table, where the only limit to future advancement would be a lack of desire, and not our gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability. I naively believed that those days of private practice when I'd been asked to get coffee by a client or mistaken for the court reporter during my expert's deposition or remonstrated by a partner for not booking him an earlier flight were all in the rearview mirror.

I also vividly remember the moment when I discovered that the table wasn't so round, that it was more rectangular, with sharp edges, and a pre-established seating chart, with those near the head showing no sign of leaving any time soon. It was the moment I realized I had been tagged as a "female" judge. Just as I had been put in the female associate bucket at my first firm out of law school twenty years earlier.

I had recently been transferred to another courthouse by the same supervisor who had earlier appointed me site judge mere months after my appointment. Shortly after my arrival, my already busy calendar was combined with that of another judge who was frequently absent. A few weeks later, I was called to the office of this same supervisor who began by expressing his disappointment in me — "I had such high hopes for you." My crime? He had heard, through another judge after a brief hallway conversation with yet a third person, that I "mothered" my cases.

After the initial shock wore off, I responded though I'd never used "mother" as a verb, I assumed he was referring to my hands-on involvement in trying to settle cases, an absolute necessity given the now 80 matters I had to finish before my afternoon trials.

This experience was not unique, and I soon discovered why this courthouse had a reputation of being less than inclusive of women. I put my head down, worked hard, and did whatever was asked of me. Rather than suffer in silence, I turned outward. I sought out colleagues from other courts, old friends I knew from bar organizations or new acquaintances from court committees or statewide organizations. It was this community which kept me from feeling alone and isolated at the courthouse version of the kids' table.

This same desire for community was what led a group of bench officers from around the state to start CWJ four years ago, as many of us had experienced some version of being excluded from the head table during our judicial careers. However, rather than dwell on the past, we were united in our desire to come together to advocate for meaningful equity and inclusion of all women within the judicial branch, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation, through education, leadership, mentoring, and outreach.

In the four years since we launched this effort, our conversations have expanded far beyond courtroom politics to life outside the courtroom. We have discussed managing older parents, the heartbreak of their loss, navigating kids exiting the pandemic and tackling college applications, and the challenges of aging.

We have served as our own personal board of directors (a phrase attributed to CWJ's patron saint, Judge Samantha Phillips Jessner), encouraging each other to seek out new opportunities and challenge the status quo. We wrote letters of support for our founding members as they sought advancement. Rather than focus on whether they checked a certain box(es), we provided our insights into what made them uniquely qualified for the particular position and soon celebrated two federal court confirmations and one court of appeal appointment.

The late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said, "if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." This organization was founded by women who aspired to more than a collapsable seat but instead sought to reshape the head table into a circular model with no pre-determined seating chart. So, come join us. We'll gladly make room at the table.

Member Spotlight

Hon. Serena R. Murillo

Years of Judicial Service

I served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge for 10 years (2015-2025) and as a United States District Court Judge since January 10, 2025.

Noteworthy

1. Chief Justice Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership to the Judicial Branch

Presented by former Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on September 24, 2018

In 2018, I was honored to be one of twelve judges statewide to receive the Chief Justice Award for Exemplary Service and Leadership to the Judicial Branch. This recognition stemmed from my work on a statewide committee convened in 2017 by then—Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. Our charge was to re-examine how California's criminal courts approach pretrial release decisions, with the goals of improving public safety, promoting fairness, and increasing court appearance rates.

Working alongside judges from across the state, we conducted an in-depth review of the pretrial system. We engaged with a wide range of stakeholders—state and national experts, justice system partners, commercial bail representatives, regulators, victim and civil rights advocates, and officials from California counties with existing pretrial services programs. I also studied jurisdictions outside California, including the federal system under the Bail Reform Act of 1984 and Washington, D.C.'s risk-based pretrial release model.

Our work culminated in a unanimous report to the Chief Justice recommending the elimination of cash bail and the statewide implementation of a risk-based pretrial release system. That report was later cited in In re Humphrey (2018) 19 Cal.App.5th 1006 and (2021) 11 Cal.5th 135.

This work directly contributed to several major policy developments: the drafting of Senate Bill 10, which aimed to eliminate cash bail statewide; the formation of a second statewide committee to allocate grants for risk-based pretrial programs; and ultimately, the creation of the Pre-Arraignment Release Protocol in Los Angeles County.

Receiving this award was deeply meaningful. It acknowledged our committee's commitment to carefully analyzing the complexities of pretrial release in a balanced, data-informed manner—advancing policies that strengthen public safety, improve outcomes, and promote equity for all individuals involved in the justice system.

2. Para Los Niños Award

Presented by the Hollenbeck Youth Center and Inner-City Games — October 2019

The Hollenbeck Youth Center and Inner-City Games create opportunities for inner-city youth to engage in athletic, educational, cultural, and community enrichment programs. I have served as a Community Advisor to the organization in the Boyle Heights area of East Los Angeles since around 2007, after being invited to join a pick-up basketball league in its gym, supporting the organization both as a lawyer and later as a judge.

Receiving the Para Los Niños Award was deeply meaningful to me. As a young Mexican American woman, playing competitive basketball shaped me in countless ways. I first stepped onto a basketball court at age ten—as the only girl in a competitive league. The game taught me how to be part of a team, assertive in interactions with boys and men, confident in my body and presence, and unafraid of conflict. It showed me how to pursue goals with both mental and physical discipline, and it gave me the tools to challenge cultural and societal limitations placed on me because of my gender and culture. These were essential skills when I eventually stepped into a different kind of court, again, as one of the only (or very few) women in a very competitive arena.

Working with the Hollenbeck Youth Center brought me back to the basketball court—this time as a community advisor. It gave me the chance to guide youth in Boyle Heights in a way that goes beyond the classroom. Receiving this award affirmed my commitment to helping young people become leaders through sports in a safe, supportive environment. For many kids—including me—this kind of opportunity makes all the difference.

3. Carlos R. Moreno Judicial Excellence Award

Presented by the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA) in October 2023

The Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles (MABA) is dedicated to empowering the Latino community and advancing legal professionals through service and advocacy. They achieve this through various initiatives such as mentorship programs, legal clinics, and educational outreach. The Judicial Excellence award highlights those judges who have had an impact on the legal profession and the broader community.

I was deeply honored to receive this award in October 2023 at a reception attended by approximately 400 members of the Los Angeles legal community. From the very beginning of my journey toward becoming a judicial officer, MABA has supported and encouraged me, making this recognition all the more meaningful.

The evening was both moving and intimate. My sister, Tiana Murillo, shared heartfelt remarks, as did the Honorable Sergio Tapia, Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The award provided me with a meaningful platform to not only express my gratitude to MABA, but also to publicly thank my father in a setting that honored the depth of his sacrifices.

My father came to the United States from Mexico as an itinerant farm worker at the age of ten. He toiled throughout California's Central Valley, often without the stability of a permanent home. It was through the extraordinary sacrifices made by him, my aunts, and my grandparents that I was given the opportunity to attend college and law school. Without their strength and resilience, none of this would have been possible.

I will be forever grateful to MABA for recognizing me—and through that recognition, honoring the legacy, labor, and love of my family.

4. Teaching

I'm incredibly proud of the work I did as a teacher. What began in 2016 as a single opportunity to teach a Search & Seizure class during CJER's Primary Assignment Orientation for Criminal Law eventually led to an invitation to chair the committee that restructured the entire program. I loved leading that effort and exploring how adults absorb and retain information. It pushed me to find creative and accessible ways to explain the arc of criminal litigation, but also complex and evolving topics—like pretrial release, jury selection, warrants for electronic evidence, and the integrity of criminal convictions.

I was honored to be appointed chair of the Los Angeles Superior Court's Judicial Education Program, where I oversaw the court's judicial education programs, but also helped redesign the court's onboarding seminars. I firmly believe that when legal concepts are made clear, judges are better equipped to enhance access to justice by issuing decisions and speaking in ways that are understandable to the public. Teaching also gave me the chance to connect with judicial officers from across the state and appreciate the diverse perspectives they bring to the bench.

5. Criminal Law Advisory Committee (CLAC)

I was also deeply proud of the work we accomplished through the Criminal Law Advisory Committee and honored to have served as its Vice-Chair, even briefly, before my appointment to the federal bench. The work was both meaningful and important, and the committee is made up of a dedicated group of individuals who care profoundly about the welfare of the criminal justice system. It was a true privilege to collaborate with such an extraordinary and committed group of community members—and one of the most valuable learning experiences of my time as a judicial officer.

Best Advice You've Received About Being a Judge

"Remember this when you're up there on the bench: not everything that enters the thought bubble should come out through the speech bubble."

Why CWJ?

Whew. Easy question—but the answer's a little more complicated. Where to start?

Let's begin with the basics: Los Angeles County is huge. With more than 580 judges on the bench, and my role teaching at the state and local level several times a year, I had the chance to meet many of the new appointees coming in through the Governor's office. Because of the size and diversity of our county, we were suddenly seeing a real shift—more judges from the global majority, and more women judges in particular. This critical mass started to shift the court's culture in meaningful ways.

As I connected with these new colleagues, I started to hear stories—real concerns and challenges that women judges were facing. And not only were those issues often going unaddressed, but they were also sometimes not even recognized in the first place. What made it more complex was realizing that earlier generations of women judges had faced similar problems but had navigated them differently, often in silence or alone.

Then one day, while working with three other women judges, I had a moment of clarity: things I had been wrestling with in isolation suddenly felt lighter when I shared them. Turns out, we were often dealing with the same exact issues—just separately, and in silence. That realization sparked an idea.

What if we created space for real, honest conversations? What if newer judges could hear straight talk from more experienced women jurists—especially women of color—about what it's really like to be "the only one" in the room? How do you learn the parts of the job that fall between the bullet points on your résumé?

As Alejandra Campoverdi writes in First Gen, "Shifting a paradigm is isolating and terrifying work, and it is rarely talked about." In my experience, it's certainly not talked about publicly. But maybe it should be.

And here's the thing: this isn't just about making women feel supported (though that matters). It's about ensuring that all judges can bring their full selves to the bench. That's how we build a judiciary that truly represents the people we serve.

That's how CWJ was born. A small group of us wanted to take what had started in the microcosm of Los Angeles and expand it across the state. We wanted to build something lasting; something rooted in connection, support, and truth-telling.

And that's why we created CWJ.

Favorite Quote

My favorite quote is Ruth Bader Ginsberg's: "People ask me sometimes, when — when do you think it will be enough? When will there be enough women on the Supreme Court? And my answer is when there are nine." [She explains: "People are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that."]

Membership Committee

CWJ's Membership Committee Welcomes You

Judge Wendy M. Behan
San Diego Superior Court

Judge Adrienne L. Rogers
San Francisco Superior Court

Certain in the knowledge that we are stronger together, the Membership Committee is focused on membership recruitment and engagement.

Since it was founded, CWJ has experienced enormous growth. The Membership Committee aims to build on that strong foundation by conducting personalized outreach to judges across the state—those who are new to the bench and those with more experience—to introduce them to CWJ, and to encourage them to join our growing ranks.

The Membership Committee is also focused on membership engagement, seeking to ensure that CWJ members feel informed, connected, and valued. We want to hear from you! Be on the lookout for a membership survey soliciting your input on how CWJ can support you and provide you with professional development and community-building opportunities. The survey will also allow you to express interest in joining a committee. In the meantime, you can email CaliforniaWomenJudges@gmail.com with ideas or suggestions.

Annual Events Committee

Introducing the CWJ Annual Events Committee!

Judge Connie Quinones
Los Angeles Superior Court

Judge Monica F. Wiley
San Francisco Superior Court

As we look forward to the coming year, the CWJ Annual Events Committee plans to continue building our organization with dynamic events aimed at fostering community, professional development, and opportunities to meaningfully engage with our members and legal communities.

Past Events

In July, the Events Committee served as cohost with CJA at the B.E. Witkin College welcome reception in San Ramon. Thank you to CJA for providing CWJ with the opportunity to meet our newest judges from around the state and introduce them to our organization. CWJ President Audra Ibarra provided remarks, and this event served as a platform to foster collaboration that reflects the lived experience of women on the bench, while also providing support and education. CWJ will return to the judicial college for another reception on Monday October 20, 2025. Please join us if you can!

Upcoming Events

The CJA annual conference will be held September 11-14 in Pasadena at the Langham Hotel. CWJ will co-host a reception with CAJAC on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

CWJ will also host a members-only reception on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. In this private setting, our members will be encouraged to have candid conversations about membership needs from the organization and an opportunity for members to express an interest in programming you would like to see in the future. We want to hear from you as we plan more events and opportunities to gather and cultivate new relationships.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are in the initial stages of planning the first CWJ member retreat in Northern California. The Events Committee would like to make this a cornerstone event which brings together women judges across the state in an intimate, reflective setting designed for deeper engagement among members. The retreat will focus on strategic planning, mentoring, and engaging our community. You will not want to miss this event!

Planning for our Spring CJA mid-year conference is already underway. Look out for the 'save the date' as we will coordinate with the CJA mid-year conference planning committee for our spring in person reception and board meeting, which we hope will be a rejuvenating experience in Palm Springs.

We encourage members to participate in as many of these offerings as your schedule will allow. Each event is designed with intention - to uplift, empower, and connect remarkable women who serve across California's courts and beyond. If you are interested in being involved, this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of our Events Committee to share your ideas.

Stay tuned for further announcements, registration, details, and opportunities to contribute. Together we look forward to a year of growth, reflection, and meaningful connection.

CWJ Members Serving on CJA Annual Meeting Committee

We are proud to spotlight our CWJ members serving on CJA's Annual Meeting Committee.

Co-Chair

Hon. Monica F. Wiley

Judge, San Francisco County Superior Court

Hon. Lee Edmon

Justice, Second District Court of Appeal

Hon. Joyce Hinrichs (Ret.)

Judge, Humboldt County Superior Court (Ret.)

Hon. Jillian M. Laxton

Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court

Hon. Elizabeth G. Macias

Judge, Orange County Superior Court

Hon. Tilisha T. Martin

Judge, San Diego County Superior Court

Hon. Andi Mudryk

Judge, Sacramento County Superior Court

Hon. Tania R. Vallejo

Judge, Orange County Superior Court

Hon. Laura R. Walton

Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Hon. Erica R. Yew

Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court

Your leadership shapes the future of judicial education!

Thank you for your dedication to creating meaningful learning and networking opportunities for judicial officers statewide.

CWJ Members Speaking at CJA's Annual Meeting

Moderator – 9. Creating High School and College Internships for Superior Courts

3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Hon. Tilisha Martin

San Diego Superior Court

Moderator – 11. Survivors Behind Bars: The Criminalization of Abuse, Assault, and Human Trafficking Victims and the Need for a Trauma-Informed Approach

8:00 am – 9:15 am

Hon. Joyce D. Hinrichs

Humboldt Superior Court (Retired)

Moderator – 10. What State Court Judges Need to Know About Tribal Courts (JBEC/MCLE 1.25 General Credits)

8:00 am – 9:15 am

Hon. Wendy Chang

Los Angeles Superior Court

14. AI On The Bench: Practical Advice and Ethical Guidelines for Judicial Officers (JBEC/MCLE 1.0 Technology Credits and 0.25 Ethics Credits)

2:30 pm – 3:45 pm

Hon. Teri Jackson

AAACJO, Justice, First District Court of Appeal

15. Exploring the Next Frontier: The California Court of Appeal through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JBEC/MCLE 1.25 Elimination of Bias Credits)

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

CWJ Members Leading CJA

Celebrating our CWJ members who are serving as leaders on the California Judges Association Board

These remarkable women are representing the interests of all California judges while bringing the perspectives and values of CWJ to statewide judicial leadership.

President

Hon. Khymberli S. Apaloo

San Bernardino Superior Court

Immediate Past President

San Diego Superior Court

Board Member (3rd Year)

Thank you to these outstanding leaders!

Their service on the CJA Board ensures that women's voices and perspectives are represented in statewide judicial governance and policy-making.

Here We Grow

Welcome our newest members (as of 08/24/2025)!

Hon. Sally Ackerknecht

Commissioner, Kern County Superior Court

Hon. Claudia Alvarez

Judge, Orange County Superior Court

Hon. Julia Campins

Judge, Contra Costa County Superior Court

Hon. Jane Cardoza (Ret.)

Retired Judge, Fresno County Superior Court

Hon. Susel Carrillo-Orellana

Commissioner, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Hon. Syna Dennis

Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Hon. Jane Gaskell

Judge, Sonoma County Superior Court

Hon. Cecilia Joo

Judge, San Bernardino County Superior Court

Hon. Lia Martin

Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Hon. Sumako McCallum

Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Hon. Doris Ng

Judge, Alameda County Superior Court

Hon. Kimberly Parker

Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court

Hon. Sarah Pastran

Commissioner, Alameda County Superior Court

Hon. Dawn Payne

Judge, San Francisco County Superior Court

Hon. Elizabeth Riles

Judge, Alameda County Superior Court

Hon. Diane Ritchie (Ret.)

Retired Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court

Hon. Shani Roark

Commissioner, Placer County Superior Court

Hon. Therese Stewart

Presiding Justice, Division 2, First Appellate District Court of Appeal

Hon. Yolanda Torres

Judge, Orange County Superior Court

Welcome to all our new CWJ members! We're stronger together.

CWJ Board & Committee Chairs

Executive Leadership

President

Hon. Audra Ibarra

Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Distinguished Speaker Series

President-Elect

Hon. Michelle Ialeggio

Judge, San Diego County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Strategic Partnerships

Secretary

Hon. Wendy McGuire Coats

Judge, Contra Costa County Superior Court

Co-Editor: CWJ Newsletter

Treasurer

Hon. Valerie Navarro

Judge, Riverside County Superior Court

Chair: Website & Member Communications

Immediate Past President

Hon. Michelle Williams Court

Judge, U.S.D.C., Central District

Co-Chair: Policy Committee

Board Members & Committee Chairs

District 1

Hon. Adrienne Rogers

San Francisco County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Membership Recruitment & Engagement

District 2

Hon. Jessica Kronstadt

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Mentorships

District 3

Hon. Sonia Cortés

Yolo County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Mentorships

District 4

Hon. Wendy Behan

San Diego County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Membership Recruitment & Engagement

District 5

Hon. Amy Guerra

Fresno County Superior Court

Co-Editor: CWJ Newsletter

Appellate Justice

Hon. Lee Edmon

Justice, Second District Court of Appeal

Co-Chair: Distinguished Speaker Series

Retired Judicial Officer

Hon. Joyce Hinrichs

Judge, Humboldt County Superior Court (Ret.)

Co-Chair: Education Committee

Commissioner

Hon. Jennifer Baronoff

Commissioner, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Law Student Internships & Scholarships

Member at Large

Hon. Nicole Bershon

Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Judicial Appointments

Member at Large

Hon. Leila Sayar

Judge, Santa Cruz County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Judicial Appointments

Member at Large

Hon. Elizabeth Macias

Judge, Orange County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Strategic Partnerships

African American Calif. Judicial Officers

Hon. Monica Wiley

Judge, San Francisco County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Annual Events

Asian Pacific American Judges Assoc.

Hon. Jayne Lee

Judge, San Joaquin County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Education Committee

California Latino Judges Association

Hon. Connie Quinones

Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court

Co-Chair: Annual Events

LGBT Judicial Officers of California

Hon. Andi Mudryk

Judge, Sacramento County Superior Court

Co-Chair: Policy Committee

See You There

September 12, 2025

CWJ and CAJAC Reception at California Judges Assoc. Annual Meeting (in person)

6:30 – 7:30 PM
Langham Hotel, Pasadena, CA

September 14, 2025

CWJ Member-Only Reception at CJA Annual Meeting (in person)

12:30-2:00 PM
Langham Hotel, Pasadena, CA
Registration Link: Register Here

October 20, 2025

CWJ and California Judges Assoc. Reception at Judicial College (in person)

Evening (time TBD)
San Ramon Marriott Hotel, San Ramon, CA

Contact & Join CWJ

We hope to hear from you: Volunteer for a committee? Idea for the Newsletter? Host a Gathering? Question about CWJ? Email us and we'll get you to the right person.

Email:
CaliforniaWomenJudges@gmail.com

Website:
californiawomenjudges.wildapricot.org

All Are Welcome:
Membership Application

CWJ Board Meetings

CWJ Meetings: 1st Tuesday Each Month

Our Next Meetings:
September 2, 2025 at 12:15-1:15 PM (on Zoom)
September 14, 2025 Board Retreat (in person)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Langham Hotel, Pasadena, CA

Zoom Link: Join Meeting