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Governor to Nominate Guerrero to State High Court Seat
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Gov. Gavin Newsom said yesterday that after a review is conducted by the State Bar Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation, he will nominate Court of Appeal Justice Patricia Guerrero of the Fourth District’s Div. One as justice of the California Supreme Court.
A press release from the Governor’s Office points out that Guerrero “would be the first Latina to serve” on the state’s high court.
If confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments—comprised of Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Manuel A. Ramirez of the Fourth District’s Div. Two, the state’s senior presiding justice—she will replace Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, who resigned on Oct. 31 to join a think-tank.
Newsom Comments
The governor commented:
“A keen legal mind and well-regarded jurist, Justice Guerrero’s wide-ranging experience, integrity, deep respect for the rule of law and lifelong commitment to public service make her a phenomenal candidate to serve as our next California Supreme Court Justice. Born and raised in the Imperial Valley by immigrant parents from Mexico, her extraordinary journey and nomination to serve as the first Latina Justice on the bench of our state’s highest court is an inspiration to all of us and a testament to the California Dream’s promise of opportunity for all to thrive, regardless of background or zip code.”
He added:
“Justice Guerrero learned the value of hard work and helping those in need from an early age, lessons she has carried throughout her life to lift up others and advance equity and inclusion,” added Governor Newsom. “As we continue to make strides in building a judiciary more representative of our state’s diversity, Justice Guerrero will bring her rich background and experiences to important decisions that impact the daily lives of every Californian. Serving on our state’s Supreme Court, I’m confident that she will continue her tireless work to ensure that our cherished rights and freedoms are protected for all Californians.”
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PATRICIA GUERRERO Appellate Court Justice |
Guerrero’s Objectives
Guerrero, 50, remarked:
“I am deeply honored by this incredible opportunity to uphold the rule of law and make a positive impact on the lives of Californians across the state. If confirmed, I look forward to helping instill confidence in the equality and integrity of our judicial system while honoring the sacrifices of my immigrant parents and demonstrating to young people that anything is possible in our wonderful and diverse country.”
Former California Supreme Court Justice Carlos R. Moreno had this to say:
“With her extensive experience handling complex litigation matters, intellectual rigor and commitment to fairness and equality, Justice Guerrero is well-equipped to navigate the most complex legal issues in our court system and will make an excellent addition to our state’s highest court. A historic move toward creating a more inclusive judiciary that represents all Californians, Justice Guerrero would be our state’s first Latina Supreme Court Justice.
“Brought up in the Imperial Valley by immigrants from Mexico, she would also help add important geographical balance to the court. I applaud Governor Newsom for his insightful nomination of this exceptional candidate.”
Brown Appointee
Justice Guerrero, 50, was appointed to the San Diego Superior Court by then-Gov. Jerry Brown on May 21, 2013, and nominated by Brown on Nov. 2, 2017 for a seat on the Court of Appeal.
Her law degree is from Stanford.
From 1997-2001 and from 2003-13, she was an attorney in the office of Latham and Watkins LLP, working from 2002-03 as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California.
The appointment comes at a time when there looms the prospect that the state high court will be losing a member. Justice Leondra Kruger is under consideration for an upcoming vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court and President Joe Biden has pledged to fill that vacancy with the appointment of someone who, like Kruger, is an African American female.
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