Biographical Information:
- Education: (Undergrad, grad, law school, degrees):o Bachelor of Arts, Law and Society from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
o Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law
- Pre-bench legal experience: Alameda County Deputy District Attorney for sixteen years and associate attorney for two years with the Morrill Law Firm.
Judicial Experience:
Jury trials, preliminary hearings, law and motion, small claims, civil harassment restraining order hearings and a variety of criminal calendars.
Pre-bench Civic and Professional Activities:
Various school and community boards.
Typical Weekly Schedule:
Trials Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Court also presides over a misdemeanor criminal calendar on Fridays at 8:30 am.
Courtroom Policies:
Generally rules from the bench, but may require supplemental briefing when necessary. Requests all attorneys be on time and well prepared. Counsel is expected to act courteously towards the Court and opposing counsel and must follow all local rules, Rules of Court and the Evidence Code. When arguing unique issues, the Court appreciates when attorneys provide the Court with case law to support their arguments.
Teleconferencing:
Not available in Dept. 33. All parties must appear in person.
Motions:
Motions are generally heard on Fridays at 8:30 am.
Briefs:
Attorneys are to file their briefs with the Court at the earliest opportunity to provide the Court time to review prior to the hearing.
Discovery:
The Court requires the parties meet and confer regarding discovery issues prior to raising any discovery issues with the Court.
Settlement Conferences:
The Court is open to holding settlement conferences to facilitate the resolution of cases.
In limine Motions:
In limine motions must be in writing and filed with the Court on the first day of trial.
Voir dire:
In limine motions must be in writing and filed with the Court on the first day of trial.
Jury Instructions:
The Court requires proposed jury instructions to be filed with the Court on the first day of trial.
Decorum:
No eating, drinking or chewing gum in the courtroom.
Computers in the Courtroom:
Yes, the Court will allow attorneys to use computers in the court room.
Cameras in the Courtroom:
No cameras permitted in the courtroom.
Advice:
Be on time, be respectful to the Court and opposing counsel and always be prepared. Counsel should anticipate issues that may arise in their cases and be prepared to respond to those issues.