Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has nominated two judges to the California Court of Appeal and appointed ten Superior Court judges across various counties. Judge Charles A. Smiley is nominated for the First District Court of Appeal, Division One, while Judge Nathan R. Scott is nominated for the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three.

Judge Smiley has served at the Alameda County Superior Court since 2012 and lectures at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. He previously worked as a Commissioner at the Alameda County Superior Court and as a Deputy Public Defender. His nomination fills the vacancy left by Justice Sandra L. Margulies' retirement.

Judge Scott has been with the Orange County Superior Court since 2012 and previously worked as an appellate court attorney. His career also includes roles at law firms Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He replaces Justice William W. Bedsworth upon confirmation.

The appointments require confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, consisting of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Senior Presiding Justices Jim Humes and Manuel Ramirez.

Governor Newsom also announced ten new Superior Court judges: Jamilah A. Jefferson in Alameda County; Latrice A.G. Byrdsong, Danielle Colon O’Sullivan, Alexander P. Sario, and Stephanie Story in Los Angeles County; Elia Anwar Naqvi in Orange County; William S. Abramson in Plumas County; Jon A. Heaberlin and Meghan Piano in Santa Clara County; and Carla J. Ortega in Ventura County.

Each appointee brings diverse experience from various legal backgrounds including public defense, city attorney roles, private practice, and academia.

The compensation for each appellate position is $279,151 annually while superior court positions receive $243,940 annually.