On July 17, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of four new judges to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This decision is part of an ongoing effort to address the needs of the judicial system across California. The new appointees bring a range of experiences and perspectives to their positions.
Judge Damaris Diaz
Damaris Diaz has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Diaz has a background in both public service and private practice. Since 2016, she has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, handling federal cases. Prior to this role, she was a Senior Associate at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.
Diaz earned her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stephen A. Marcus. Diaz is a registered Democrat.
Judge Janet Hong
Janet Hong has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Hong has been a Sole Practitioner since 2015 and has experience teaching as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of California, Irvine School of Law from 2019 to 2023. Her career also includes positions as an Associate at various law firms and as a Trial Attorney at the Alternate Public Defender’s Office of Los Angeles County.
Hong earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the transfer of Judge Michael Kelley to the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Hong is a registered Democrat.
Judge Cindy Pánuco
Cindy Pánuco has been appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Pánuco has been Of Counsel at Perez & Perez, APC since 2023. Her prior roles include Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at Public Counsel, where she worked from 2019 to 2023, and Partner at Hadsell Stormer & Renick LLP.
Pánuco earned her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. She fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge David Rosen. Pánuco is a registered Democrat.
Judge Tiffany Tai
Tiffany Tai has been appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Tai has served as a Commissioner at the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2022. Prior to this, she was a Partner at Ritt, Tai, Thvedt & Hodges LLP.
Tai earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Howard C. Horn. Tai is registered without party preference.
Conclusion
Governor Newsom appointed a total of 11 Superior Court judges across California, including Alameda, Napa, Orange, Placer, and Ventura Counties. These judges bring diverse experiences from various legal backgrounds, including federal prosecution, public defense, public interest law, and private practice. Their appointments will address current vacancies created by the retirements of several incumbent judges.
