Monday, March 18, 2024

California Nominates First Latina Judge to its State Supreme Court

This week Governor Gavin Newsom announced that a Justice from the California 4th District Court of Appeal, Patricia Guerrero, has been nominated to be of California Supreme Court. If appointed, she would be the first Latina to serve on the California Supreme Court.

Patricia Guerrero, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, is a native of Imperial Valley in Southern California. At the age of 16, she worked at a grocery store and graduated high school as co-valedictorian. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford Law School, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree.

According to Newsom’s office, Guerrero is a respected jurist with extensive experience as an appellate justice, trial court judge, partner at a major law firm, and assistant U.S. attorney. She has also contributed pro bono work in the immigration and appellate court system, assisting clients in immigration matters, and protecting vulnerable families by litigating compliance with fair housing laws.

Guerrero is in line to replace Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, who left the bench Oct. 31.

In a statement, Guerrero said, “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. 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.”

NBC NEWS