Biographical Information
- Education:
B.A. in mathematics and economics from U.C. Davis.
J.D. from U.C. Berkeley School of Law. - Pre‐bench legal experience:
- Deputy Public Defender in Contra Costa County
- Political affiliation:
Democrat
Judicial Experience
Judge Athanasiou was appointed by Governor Newsom in September, 2021.
Pre-bench Civic & Professional Activities
Consultant and member of board of directors for Waterside Workshops, a non-profit in Berkeley, CA.
Courtroom Policies
Judge Athanasiou generally rules from the bench but may request supplemental briefing or take the matter under submission to research new issues raised during oral argument.
Teleconferencing
Generally not permitted but will address for particular matters.
Briefs
Opt for concision.
Discovery
Follow applicable statues and case law.
In Limine Motions
In limine motions are heard before jury selection and should be in writing. Attorneys should use their motions to address particular issues in their case rather than to submit boilerplate arguments.
Voir Dire
Currently, Department 14 employs the 6-pack method.
Jury Instructions
Department 14 uses Calcrim.
Decorum
Punctuality is important, but there will invariably be occasions when litigants will be late for unexpected reasons. Please inform the court – to the extent possible – when this occurs. Also, Judge Athanasiou will treat everyone in the courtroom with respect and expects parties to do the same.
Computers in the Courtroom
Permitted.
Audio-visual
Department 14 is currently in the Pittsburg courthouse, which has audio and visual equipment; but attorneys must bring their own laptops.
Cameras in the Courtroom
Not permitted.
Advice
Attorneys are encouraged to think carefully about the objections they make and the issues they raise. Employing a thoughtful and selective approach to the legal battles an attorney chooses to wage – rather than simply objecting for its own sake – can bolster an attorney’s credibility.