The Governor Gavin Newsom nominated Judge Patricia Guerrero to serve on the California Supreme Court, making her the first Latina to serve on the Golden State's highest court.
Patricia Guerrero, a respected jurist with extensive experience as an appellate and trial judge, partner in a major law firm and assistant federal prosecutor, would carry the legacy of her Mexican-American family on her shoulders if she were to obtain the position as an associate judge.
"A keen legal mind and a jurist well regarded for her extensive experience, integrity, and deep respect for the rule of law and lifelong commitment to public service make Judge Guerrero an outstanding candidate to serve as our next justice of the California Supreme Court," Newsom said.
The official detailed that the Imperial Valley native, born and raised by immigrant parents from Mexico, has forged an extraordinary journey to her nomination to serve as the first Latina judge on the state's highest court, becoming "an inspiration to us all and a testament to the California Dream's promise of opportunity for all to thrive, regardless of their origin or zip code.
The governor noted that as we move forward in building a judiciary that is more representative of California's diversity, Judge Guerrero will bring her background and experience to important decisions that impact the daily lives of all Californians.
"As a member of our state's Supreme Court, I am confident that you will continue your tireless work to ensure that our cherished rights and freedoms are protected for all Californians," he stressed.
It should be noted that Judge Patricia Guerrero to serve on the California Supreme Court, would replace Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, who left office effective October 31, 2021.
She said she was deeply honored for the opportunity to uphold the rule of law and make a positive impact on the lives of Californians throughout the state.
"If confirmed, I hope to help instill confidence in the equality and integrity of our judicial system while honoring the sacrifices of my immigrant parents and showing young people that anything is possible in our wonderful and diverse country," he said.
Attorney Guerrero, 50, a San Diego native, has served as an associate judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One since 2017.
In that capacity, he has written numerous opinions to protect the rights of consumers and individuals, while ensuring that the constitutional rights of defendants ??are protected and that all parties, including the government, are treated fairly and consistent with the rule of law.
Originally from the Imperial Valley and raised by immigrant parents from Mexico, Judge Patricia Guerrero to serve on the California Supreme Court, began working in a grocery store at the age of 16 and graduated as co-valedictorian (valedictorian) in high school.
He continued to work to help pay for his education while attending law school at the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree.
There, Judge Patricia Guerrero was active in the Latino Law Students Association and assisted her peers in the recruitment and retention center.
Prior to her appointment to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Guerrero served as a judge in the San Diego County Superior Court from 2013 to 2017 and was supervising judge ??of the Family Law Division at the court in 2017.
The nomination made by Governor Newsom must be submitted to the Judicial Candidate Evaluation Commission of the State Bar, and must be confirmed by the Judicial Nominating Commission.
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