Federal Courts District Update — August 2023

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter includes an interview with Judge Schopler, one of two recently appointed District Judges in Southern District of California and a memoriam for Judge Lew of the Central District by his former law clerks.

If you are interested in applying to join the Federal Courts Committee, please apply at https://calawyers.org/section/litigation/standing-committees/committee-on-federal-courts/.

Southern District of California

Judicial Appointments: On July 24, 2023, the Southern District appointed the Judge Michelle M. Pettit as the newest U.S. Magistrate Judge. Judge Pettit was most recently an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California, where she worked in the Criminal Division since 2007. (GO 753.)

Local Rules: On July 12, 2023, amendments to Civil Local Rule 83.8(Non-Appropriated Funds Plan for Administration of the Court Library Fund and Pro Bono Fund) took effect. (GO 748 and 752.)

Central District of California

Stephanie S. Christensen was sworn in as United States Magistrate Judge on July 5, 2023. She will sit in Los Angeles in the Court’s Western Division. Judge Christensen succeeds former Magistrate Judge John E. McDermott. Her biography may be found here.

Joel Richlin was sworn in as United States Magistrate Judge on July 31, 2023. Judge Richlin will sit in Los Angeles in the Court’s Western Division. Judge Richlin succeeds former Magistrate Alexander F. MacKinnon. His biography may be found here.

The United States District Court for the Central District of California is currently accepting applications from qualified attorneys interested in serving on the Central District’s Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel. Additional information may be found here.

Eastern District of California

Judicial Appointments: The Eastern District of California District Court reappointed United States Magistrate Judge Erica P. Grosjean for another full term, effective October 12, 2023. (GO 664)

Northern District of California

New ADR Program Director: The Court welcomed Jill Kopeikin as the new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program Director. She will be responsible for the policy development, design, implementation, oversight and evaluation of the Court’s ADR program, including mediation, early neutral evaluation and the ADR Multi-Option Program.

Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representatives: The Northern District of California is currently accepting applications to serve as a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative. Applications are due on August 10, 2023, and information regarding applying can be found here.