California Women Judges

From the President

Ruth Bader Ginsburg famously said, “When I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court] and I say, ‘When there are nine,’ people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.” She was referring to the fact that for its first 191 years, the United States Supreme Court was composed of only male justices. It’s easy to interpret her quote literally to mean that there will be enough women on the Court only when it’s entirely made up of female jurists.

But Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, former New Mexico Chief Justice Shannon Bacon, Washington Chief Justice Debra Stephens and former Michigan Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement have a different take. I had the honor of interviewing them at the Bay Area Women Lawyers Retreat in 2023. When I asked them what RBG’s famous words meant to them, none of them interpreted the quote literally. Instead, their answer was more profound.

They agreed, “When there are nine” is the moment when gender is no longer an issue — when women have served in such numbers that the only question anyone asks is whether the person appointed is the best person for the job. It would have been easy—and understandable—for the four female chief justices to say that after nearly two centuries of male-only justices, women deserve their turn to dominate the Court. But instead, these remarkable women leaders looked beyond their own gender and focused on what would be best for the Court and the country. A court that considers all perspectives and looks like the people it serves. I had never been so proud to be a woman judge.

Like the chief justices, California Women Judges believes in gender equity. We want women and men to have the same opportunities in the judiciary, on the bench and before the court. We are sisters and brothers on the bench working for a more fair judicial system. Our membership brings together state and federal current and retired jurists of both genders.

Our commitment to evening the playing field in our courts, our communities, our state, our country and our world is evident in our programming. Over the past year, we have hosted fireside chats with extraordinary women leaders in the California judiciary, state courts, finance, international health care and culinary arts.

On August 31, during a lunchtime Zoom, retired Presiding Justice Lee Edmon will interview actress Nazanin Boniadi, UK Amnesty International Ambassador and women’s rights activist. On September 14, during another lunchtime Zoom, we are hosting a program on demystifying the pro tem and court of appeal application process, featuring Presiding Justice Mary Greenwood, Presiding Justice Teri Jackson, Justice Natalie Stone and Judge Nicole Bershon. Both of these programs are open to all bench officers irrespective of CWJ membership.

This edition of our newsletter is dedicated to Chief Justice Guerrero, former New Mexico Chief Justice Bacon, Washington Chief Justice Stephens, former Michigan Chief Justice Clement and every jurist who has looked beyond personal identity and asked the question: How can we make our courts more fair?

Nazanin Boniadi: Acclaimed Actress, Human Rights Advocate, and Global Voice for Justice

By CWJ’s Distinguished Speaker Series Committee Co-Chairs — Justice Lee Edmon (Ret.) and Judge Audra Ibarra (Santa Clara)

Judicial officers across the state are invited to participate in a special virtual fireside chat with Nazanin Boniadi on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 12:15 p.m., when she will be interviewed by Justice Lee Edmon. This timely conversation promises to provide unique insight into the intersection of the arts, human rights, and the rule of law through the experiences of one of today’s most compelling advocates for justice.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Ms. Boniadi and her family left the country following the Iranian Revolution, ultimately settling in London, where she was raised. She later moved to the United States to attend the University of California, Irvine, earning a degree in Biological Sciences. Although she initially intended to pursue a career in medicine, her passion for the performing arts led her to acting, where she has built an internationally recognized career.

Ms. Boniadi’s television work includes memorable performances in Homeland, where she portrayed CIA analyst Fara Sherazi, Counterpart, How I Met Your Mother and Amazon Prime Video’s acclaimed series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, in which she played the healer Bronwyn. Her film credits include Hotel Mumbai, Bombshell, Iron Man, and numerous independent productions that have showcased both her dramatic range and international appeal. Her performances have earned nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.

Beyond her distinguished acting career, Ms. Boniadi has become one of the world’s leading advocates for human rights, particularly for women, youth and the people of Iran. For nearly two decades, she has used her public platform to champion civil liberties, women’s rights, freedom of expression, and equal treatment under the law. She served as a spokesperson for Amnesty International USA before being appointed an Ambassador for Amnesty International UK in 2020, where she continues to advocate for fundamental human rights and human dignity.

Her commitment to justice extends into the foreign policy arena. Ms. Boniadi is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, one of America’s leading nonpartisan organizations devoted to international affairs and national security. Through that role, she has contributed to discussions concerning democracy, international law, and the protection of human rights. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran, an organization dedicated to documenting human rights conditions, promoting accountability, and advancing the rule of law.

Her advocacy has reached the highest levels of government and international institutions. Ms. Boniadi has addressed the United Nations, spoken before lawmakers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia, and participated in respected forums including the Munich Security Conference, the Oxford Union, and the World Economic Forum. She has also written extensively on human rights and international affairs for publications including The Washington Post and TIME.

In addition to her advocacy on behalf of women and civil society, Ms. Boniadi has supported refugee assistance initiatives and collaborated with organizations dedicated to promoting human rights, civic engagement, and educational outreach. Her humanitarian leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Freedom House Raising Awareness Award, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the Sydney Peace Prize.

For members of the judiciary, Ms. Boniadi’s career offers a remarkable perspective on the enduring importance of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights. Her experiences illustrate how legal institutions—and the absence of their protections—can profoundly affect individuals, families, and entire societies.

Please join us on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. for an engaging Zoom fireside chat as Justice Edmon interviews Ms. Boniadi about her remarkable journey from refugee to acclaimed actress and internationally respected human rights advocate. We encourage all bench officers to register for what promises to be an informative and inspiring discussion on justice, courage, and the vital role the law plays in protecting human dignity. Spread the word — this program is open to all judicial officers, not just CWJ members.

Register on the CWJ website →

2026–2027 CWJ Board Election Dates & Details

The 2026–2027 CWJ Executive Committee and Board election will be held September 28, 2026 through October 9, 2026. The Call for Nominations will be sent to all dues-current CWJ members by email on August 7, 2026.

The Nominating Committee Is Looking For

• Prior active participation in a national or statewide board, council, commission or committee;
• Leadership of an organization at a national, statewide or local level;
• Accomplishments in promoting gender equality; and
• Demonstrated ability to promote the development of women judges.

Eligibility Rules

• Only voting members of CWJ in good standing are eligible to serve on the Executive Committee or Board of Directors.
• The President-Elect should have served as either the Treasurer or Secretary.
• Executive Committee officers shall not serve more than one term in the same office.
• Executive Committee officers should have served office as non-Executive Committee members of the Board of Directors.
• Members of the Board of Directors shall not serve more than three consecutive years in that position, excluding time spent on the Executive Committee. But after a member leaves the Board of Directors for a year, the member may be voted back in again.

The Slate

The Nominating Committee will present a slate of nominees to the membership after consideration of the candidates’ application, the current needs of the CWJ Board of Directors in light of current organizational initiatives and priorities, and the overall composition of the Board of Directors in light of CWJ’s mission to “advocate for meaningful equity and inclusion of all women within the judicial branch, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender (including all gender identities and expressions), or sexual orientation, through education, leadership, mentoring, and outreach.”

Once the proposed slate has been compiled, the Nominating Committee will solicit the membership for petitions for inclusion of write-in candidates for the electoral slate.

The election slate will include a candidate for President, for President-Elect, for Secretary, and for Treasurer. If no nominee meets all the eligibility requirements for one of those positions, the Nominating Committee will include on its slate the candidate that is best suited for that position.

The Nominating Committee may but need not nominate the current President to fill a director seat for Immediate Past-President.

Call for Nominations

The Call for Nominations will be sent to all dues-current CWJ members by email on August 7, 2026. We hope you will answer the Call!

Announcing a Strategic Partnership: Strengthening the Voice of California’s Judiciary

By Judge Michelle Ialeggio (San Diego), Co-Chair of CWJ Strategic Partnerships Committee and President-Elect of California Women Judges

California Women Judges (CWJ) is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the California Judges Association (CJA), marking an important step forward in advancing the shared mission of supporting and empowering members of the judiciary across the state.

This collaboration reflects a natural alignment between both organizations, each deeply committed to promoting excellence in the judiciary, fostering professional development, and strengthening community among judges. Through this partnership, CWJ and CJA hope to work together to expand educational programming and support initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and equal access to leadership within the judicial branch.

Both organizations recognize the importance of building a judiciary that reflects the communities it serves and are united in their efforts to create meaningful pathways for engagement, connection, and advancement. The California Judges Association already recognizes several independent affinity organizations who maintain their own membership structures and dues while working alongside CJA, including Association of African American California Judicial Officers (AAACJO), California Asian Pacific American Judges Association (CAPAJA), California Latino Judges Association (CLJA), California Jewish Judicial Officers Association (CJJOA), Middle Eastern & North African Judicial Officers of California (MENAJOC) and California Court Commissioners Association (CCCA).

As this partnership begins, CWJ also looks ahead to an exciting leadership transition with CWJ’s new board term beginning in October 2026. Current CWJ at-large board member Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Nicole Bershon will assume the presidency of CJA also in October. Judge Bershon’s leadership is anticipated to further strengthen collaboration efforts and continue advancing support for women judicial officers throughout California. Judge Bershon was a founding member of California Women Judges and served on CWJ’s exploratory committee.

CJA & CWJ Reception · July 20, 2026 · B.E. Witkin Judicial College

Midday Musings: Introducing the California Women Judges Book Club

By Judge Monica F. Wiley (San Francisco) and Judge Connie Quinones (Los Angeles), CWJ Events Committee Co-Chairs

We are thrilled to introduce Midday Musings, the California Women Judges Book Club — a new, seasonal gathering designed to connect our members through great literature, lively conversation, and the simple pleasure of a shared story. This is something we have wanted to bring to CWJ for a long time, and we could not be more excited to finally make it happen.

How It Works

Midday Musings is exactly what it sounds like: a chance to grab your lunch, join us on Zoom, and spend an hour in conversation about a book that matters. Our sessions are hosted virtually, during the lunch hour, with a rotating CWJ member leading each discussion. The format is intentionally light — one volunteer, one book, one hour — so that leading a session is as easy as sharing a book you already love and has made an impact on your life.

Our Inaugural Book: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

We could not have chosen a more powerful book to launch our club. Take My Hand is set in 1973 Alabama and follows Civil Townsend, a young nurse with a fierce sense of justice and a deep commitment to the women in her care. When two young sisters are subjected to a devastating medical decision made without their consent, Civil risks everything to protect them. It is a story about courage, conscience, and the personal cost of doing what is right — themes that resonate deeply with the women who serve on California’s courts every day.

This is the kind of book that stays with you. We believe you will find it impossible to put down — and impossible not to discuss.

Join Us on September 16, 2026

Our inaugural discussion will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom — no registration required. We are honored to be joined by Judge Amy Yerkey of the Los Angeles Superior Court, who will serve as our first discussion leader. An avid reader with a gift for bringing people and ideas together, Judge Yerkey will guide our conversation with warmth and insight as we unpack the big emotional moments of this remarkable novel.

We encourage you to pick up the book now — you have plenty of time before we gather, which is exactly the right amount of time to savor it.

Join us on Zoom →

Help Us Build This — Become a Host

Midday Musings is a member-driven experience, and it grows with your participation. We are currently seeking volunteer hosts for our October 2026 and March 2027 sessions.

Hosting is simple: you choose the date; you choose the book — any title that speaks to the interests of women — and you lead the conversation. Biographies, legal thrillers, social justice narratives, and beloved favorites are all welcome. There is no long-term commitment. One month, one book, one hour. That’s it!

If you are interested in hosting, please reach out to Monica at mwiley@sftc.org to claim your month.

We are so proud to bring this new offering to our CWJ community. Whether you join us as a reader, a participant, or a future host, we hope Midday Musings becomes a space where you connect with colleagues, discover new voices, and find a little inspiration in the middle of your day.

CWJ Summer Internship Program Launched Summer 2026

By Judge Holly Fujie (Ret.) and Commissioner Jennifer Baronoff (Los Angeles)

This summer, CWJ launched its inaugural summer internship program for Rising 2L law students throughout the state. Twenty-one students from schools including USC, UCI, Pepperdine, University of the Pacific (McGeorge), UC Law San Francisco, and Berkeley are interning in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties as well as the U.S. District Court for the Central District. Each student has been paired with a CWJ judicial officer for the summer to gain exposure to the judicial system as a whole and to their assigned judges’ specific disciplines including family, criminal and dependency law. Although their daily schedules varied depending on the judge and the court, all our interns had the opportunity to attend a CWJ program entitled “Pathways to Becoming a Judge,” a virtual lunch presentation with Justice Shama Mesiwala. We plan to offer additional virtual content to the interns to encourage cohesiveness within the group despite the geographical distance.

Applicants were also encouraged to apply for CWJ’s $1,000 Judge Samantha Jessner Scholarship by submitting a one-paragraph essay discussing how they have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of women. We received many impressive entries, including essays by law students who are advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including one woman who served as a grievance caseworker focused on Title IX, working one-on-one with survivors of sexual violence. Other students have been part of international efforts to advance women’s rights. Examples include one woman who assisted Afghan women targeted by the Taliban for their human rights activism. Through her work with Afghans in Crisis Network (AiCN), she helped these persecuted women find legal pathways to resettle out of their homeland and to find safe new homes. Another student applicant founded a student organization in Shanghai, China promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ inclusion. We look forward to introducing you to CWJ’s selected scholarship recipient in our next CWJ Newsletter.

As co-chairs of the CWJ Internship Committee, we would like to express our appreciation for all of our incredible CWJ members who volunteered to host interns this summer — including a huge shout out to Past CWJ President Judge Michelle Williams Court of the Central District and Judge Brenda Robinson of the L.A. Superior Court who both welcomed multiple CWJ interns to their chambers.

Although it’s only July, it’s not too soon to start planning for the CWJ internship program for Summer 2027 (after all, Halloween décor is already popping up!). Our goal is to double the number of CWJ interns next year. To make this possible, we need even more CWJ members who are willing to host law students for the summer. If you are interested in volunteering to host one (or more!) CWJ interns during the summer of 2027, or if you have questions about the program, please reach out to Commissioner Jen Baronoff at JBaronoff@lacourt.ca.gov.

Stitch & Switch Off the Day

By Judge Christine N. Donovan (Solano)

Dearest Reader,

Have you ever had a stressful day as a judge? No? Then I congratulate you and look forward to your forthcoming column on how exactly you manage that feat. For everyone else—and I suspect everyone reading this column IS everyone else—read on.

My friend Judge Wendy Coats described her crochet journey in an earlier column. One of her earliest works (“Pierre”) found a home in my chambers in Contra Costa County and moved with me when I was later appointed in Solano County. She also kindly mentioned a cross stitch piece hanging in my chambers, both then and now. Most don’t give it a second glance. I suspect it’s because they think Lady Justice is a painting or print. But look closely and you’ll see hundreds of tiny Xs in different color threads on mottled fabric. Lady Justice is a cross stitch work.

Cross stitch has been around for centuries. Examples from Asia, Europe, and Central and South America exist in museums. In the United States, girls reportedly worked samplers to learn stitching techniques. The earliest known version made in the United States is from the mid-17th century. From there cross stitch has grown in popularity and is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance. Modern cross stitch runs the gamut from recreating those samplers of yore to reproducing paintings to whatever strikes the creator’s fancy.

The technique is simple: A person makes evenly-sized stitches in the form of an X on fabric. But from that basic concept creativity soars. You can follow a pattern of simple to dizzying complexity. You can create your own design. You can embellish your clothing. Got a hole in your jeans? Cover it up with a cross stitch motif. There are so many fabrics available. Threads in different colors, weights, fiber content (such as cotton, silk, wool). Walking into a well-stocked needlework shop like the one in Alameda is a feast for the eyes and senses. This isn’t your 1980s cross stitch of geese with blue bows.

So why do I do it? It’s a form of creativity I desperately need after hours on the bench. I sit in a family law assignment. For those who have sat there, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not for everyone. But for me and many others, it gives the Army a run for its money on the toughest job you’ll ever love. It’s stressful though. My husband knows the kind of day I’ve had if I immediately drop my purse and disappear into my sewing room. It’s time for fabric and thread therapy. I also have my stitching chair in the family room, where several cross stitch works in progress (“WIPs”) are tucked into a nearby cart. I’m working on a large American flag where the states are listed in order of admission in the stripes. I started it last year thinking I would have it done by July 4, 2026. Alas, putting thousands of little Xs on fabric took more time than anticipated. (I’m sure the Founding Mothers will forgive me for being a bit behind schedule.) But those thousands of little Xs came into being as I put aside the day and focused on creating something beautiful, something meaningful. It’s painting with threads. As I stitch and listen to history documentaries, I can feel the muscles loosen, the jaw unclench, the weight lifting. It’s therapy. I’m grateful for it. And, as one t-shirt in my collection proclaims, it’s proof I have the patience to stab something ten thousand times.

People comment on my creativity. Nah. I just know how to follow a pattern. But following that pattern and creating beautiful things, like Lady Justice, gives me the fiber to do the work I’m honored to do for my community.

Non Solae Estis: You’re Not Alone, Pick Up the Phone

By Judge Linda McFadden (Stanislaus)

Recently, one hundred retired judges from around California donned their robes and reaffirmed their oath as judges in a message of solidarity with all active California Judges. Their message was featured in a video link sent out by the California Judges Association. The video from the Retired Judges Initiative demonstrated that retired judges have not forgotten what it means to be a judge in challenging times and to continue to serve with independence and integrity.

The job of a judge can be isolating. New judges learn the ethical rules that govern their conduct. They learn to avoid attending Monday Night Football parties at a deputy district attorney’s house with just deputy district attorneys, to eliminate those Friday night meetings at the local pub with only public defender friends, and to stop talking to golf buddies about cases handled that day, etc.

One method of escaping loneliness is to talk to a trusted colleague. Spending even five minutes discussing legal or nonlegal issues with another judge can dispel loneliness. Often colleagues have great suggestions, and many have handled similar issues in the past. Group lunches with other colleagues help judges feel they are part of a family. Connecting with other judicial officers from other courts allows judges to experience being a part of an even larger family. Attending CJER training courses, CJA conferences and NJA conferences enable judges to better connect with judicial officers from other courts. Other ways of connecting with judicial colleagues include volunteering to serve on committees for the Judicial Council, CJA, CWJA and NJA. Many legal list-serves allow judges to ask questions and exchange ideas with other judicial officers who have similar assignments.

Being involved with other legal organizations such as CWJA, CJA, NJA, bar associations, and Inns of Courts affords the ability to learn and socialize with individuals who have legal training and experience. These organizations broaden our connections. Volunteering with outreach opportunities through the courts in helping with mock trials, mentoring programs, educational programs for the community about the legal system expand the list of connections.

Joining community service groups provide separate, often non-legal connections that bond us with other community members. Also, developing hobbies such as running, art, music, and joining clubs devoted to the hobbies increases the community feeling. Just being a good neighbor and talking to neighbors provides another opportunity for growth and expansion of a judge’s connections.

For me, personally, I have been able to meet many wonderful friends from attendance at my judicial trainings and conferences. I have connected with judges with whom I have socialized, called to ask legal questions, and discussed various personal issues. The California Women Judges Association has provided me with an opportunity to engage with other judges of all genders and gender identities and to learn more about various topics and legal issues. I am happy I chose to reach out to this organization as I value the connections I made. I am expanding my list of those who understand how I might be feeling after I’ve had a difficult day on the bench.

Here are some examples illustrating methods I learned to not feel alone. From the moment I started, I needed help with being a judge. I had over 15 years experience as an attorney, but I had no experience taking a felony plea, handling weddings for friends or doing appellate work. I reached out to colleagues by email to receive felony plea scripts and ideas for how to conduct weddings. Within minutes, I received the information I needed. Almost every day, I went to lunch with a group of colleagues and we discussed some of the cases we had and how to deal with difficult attorneys and litigants. I volunteered for several court committees that allowed me to meet many community members and judges from other courts. I attended schools and conferences that enabled me to expand my list of friends. I volunteered to serve on State committees. I joined our local American Inn of Court and was able to work with other attorneys and judges to improve ethics and civility in the practice of law and to educate our community about legal issues. My Inn of Court team won the first ever American Inn of Court Project Award by creating a video designed to teach students about the legal issues that they face when they turn 18 years of age. I traveled to Washington D.C. and was able to attend an awards ceremony and dinner that was hosted by Justice Ginsburg at the U.S. Supreme Court Building.

I was already active in my Lion’s Club service group and my running clubs. Once I was assigned to our Juvenile division, I was able to help start a student running program and our Modesto Marathon that remains a constant source of mentoring and fitness for the young and adults in our community. My running has taken me to many states and other countries. The running helped me to learn skills to endure the loneliness feelings and hard times as a judge.

As a more senior judge, many times, I work with other less experienced judges to mentor them. I have a large candy jar and my chambers are open to everyone including any judge who might want to discuss issues they are facing. I still reach out to other judges and ask for advice. Doing outreach for the courts has expanded my list of friends and helped me to meet judges from around our state.

I extend my appreciation to all the judges for wearing the robe daily and for the difficult work you do. There are many more examples I could provide, but suffice it to say that, “You Are Not Alone.”

Welcome, New Members

Welcome to our newest members since our last newsletter. We look forward to connecting you with a committee as we build CWJ together.

Our CWJ Colors

The board selected our official color palette this year — Ivory & Periwinkle — and every choice carries meaning. Here’s the story behind each color, and you’ll see it throughout this newsletter.

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