Thursday, September 10, 2026
Page 1
Ocampo, Verastegui to Lead LASC in 2027, 2028
By a MetNews Staff Writer
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RICHARD OCAMPO presiding judge elect |
YVETTE VERASTEGUI assistant presiding judge elect |
It came as no surprise yesterday that Ricardo Ocampo was elected as presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court and Yvette Verastegui was chosen as assistant presiding judge, each having run unopposed.
Ocampo is the current assistant presiding judge. The person holding that two-year post is traditionally elected as the court’s chief judge for a succeeding two-year stint.
There is usually a contest for the post of assistant presiding judge but the lack of one this year is not remarkable.
The terms begin Jan. 1.
Ocampo commented:
“It is an honor to have the trust of my colleagues to serve as the next presiding judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Leading the largest trial court in the nation is a tremendous responsibility. As I look forward to the next two years, my priorities include providing the members of our bench with the tools, resources and support they need to provide the residents of Los Angeles County with fair, timely and effective access to justice.
“Equally important will be continuing to strengthen our court’s relationship with our colleagues in courts across the California Judicial Branch, justice partners, the bar and the communities we serve, ensuring every resident of Los Angeles County can navigate our justice system with trust and confidence.”
Verastegui, who has served as supervising judge of the Criminal Division since Jan. 1, 2025, remarked:
“I look forward to supporting Presiding Judge-Elect Ocampo’s vision, leadership, and commitment to ensuring equal access to justice through the fair, timely and effective resolution of all cases. My commitment alongside him is to support our colleagues and to uphold and strengthen the public’s confidence and trust in the judiciary.”
Ocampo was appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008. He was, at the time, a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney.
His law degree is from Southwestern.
Verastegui was a Los Angeles County deputy alternate public defender when she was placed on the court by Schwarzenegger in 2010. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
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