This Monday, the governor Gavin Newsom swore in Patricia Guerrero as a Justice of the California Supreme Court, making her the first Latina to hold this position.
Raised in the Imperial Valley by immigrant parents from Mexico, Patricia Guerrero has served as an associate judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeals, Division One since 2017 and has extensive experience as a trial judge, partner at a major law firm and Assistant U.S. Attorney.
With all this experience, his nomination to the court was unanimously confirmed by the Judicial Nominating Commission last week.
The governor swore in Judge Guerrero in Sacramento in a ceremony attended by First Associate Justice Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, Supreme Court Associate Justice Carol Corrigan, Judge Judith McConnell of the Fourth District Court of Appeal and other members of the judiciary, legislators and Judge Guerrero's father Jorge, her sister Claudia, her husband Joe and their sons Anthony and Christopher.
"This is a proud day for all Californians," said Gov. Newsom.
"A first-generation Californian and daughter of the Imperial Valley, Judge Guerrero's extraordinary rise to serve as the first Latina judge on our state's highest court is not only an incredible personal achievement, it is an inspiring example of California's enduring promise that any dream is ... possible, no matter who you are or where you come from," she added.
He explained that Judge Guerrero's brilliance, integrity, work ethic and valuable insights "will make an invaluable contribution to the court. I am confident that Judge Guerrero will continue her life's work to defend our fundamental rights and liberties and promote equal justice and opportunity for all Californians."
For her part, the judge said she was honored to hold this position on the California Supreme Court.
"I am here because of the courage, sacrifice and dedication of my parents and grandparents who, like so many others, came to this country with the hope of a better future for their children. I hope my journey will encourage the next generation of leaders to pursue their dreams, and I look forward to using this opportunity to uphold the rule of law and work to ensure equal justice under the law for all Californians," said Judge Guerrero, who replaces Mariano-Florentino Cuellar.
"Your appointment is a testament not only to your extraordinary judicial career, but also to your devotion and commitment to the citizens of California and their access to justice," wrote Sonia Sotomayor, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, in a letter to Judge Guerrero.
"His appointment is an important reminder of how far we have come and also how far we have yet to go. I know he will make our country proud."
"To be the first Latina on the California Supreme Court and make history, it is clear that one must have an exceptional life story. Judge Patricia Guerrero is already inspiring young Latinas to set their sights higher and believe that they can be anything they want to be," said Orange County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth G. Macias at the time.
Guerrero has contributed many hours of pro bono work, including as a member of the Immigration Justice Project Advisory Board, to promote due process and access to justice at all levels of the immigration court and appellate system.
In turn, he has assisted clients on a pro bono basis in immigration matters, including asylum applications and protecting vulnerable families by litigating compliance with fair housing laws.
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