Federal Courts Updates

Before becoming a Judge, Jill Burkhardt was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California, Criminal Division. She started her career as an associate at Baker and McKenzie. Judge Burkhardt earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota and her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she graduated Cum Laude. In this interview, Judge Burkhardt discusses her path to the Bench, her experience transitioning from advocate to judge, and the importance of professionalism and civility in the legal profession. Read more

For the first time in the 233-year history of the Supreme Court, a Black woman will join the Bench of our nation’s highest court: on April 7, 2022, the Senate voted 53-47 to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Soon-to-be Justice Jackson’s ascension also marks the first time in history where 4 of the 9 justices are women. Read more

John Byron Owens is a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Read more

Judge Chhabria was confirmed by the Senate as a District Court Judge for the Northern District of California in March 2014. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Chhabria worked as a staff member for U.S. Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey in Washington D.C. and California. Read more

Central District of California Covid-19 Update:  On March 15, 2022, the Court extended its authority pursuant to provisions of the CARES Act through May 28, 2022. Accordingly, court hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters. (Notice.)   Merit Selection Committee: The United States District Court, Central District of California, is currently accepting applications from attorneys interested in serving on the Central District’s Merit Selection Panel, which (1) evaluates and recommends to the District Judges the… Read more

Central District of California Covid-19 Update:  On February 8, 2022, the Central District announced that it will resume jury trials on February 22, 2022. (Notice.) The District Court adopted an amended policy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, effective February 3, 2022. (Policy.) On January 3, 2022, the Court extended its authority pursuant to provisions of the CARES Act through March 28, 2022. Accordingly, court hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters. (Notice.)   Judicial Nominations: On December 15,… Read more

This chart summarizes the cases on the Supreme Court’s docket for October Term 2021 that were heard in 2021, organized by oral argument date. Eight arguments were heard in October, thirteen in November, and six in December. Read more

This chart summarizes the cases on the Supreme Court’s docket for October Term 2021 that were heard in 2021, organized by oral argument date. Eight arguments were heard in October, thirteen in November, and six in December. Two opinions were published by the Court on December 10, 2021. Read more

COVID-19 Update: The District Court adopted a policy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, effective October 1, 2021. (Policy.) On October 4, 2021, the Court extended its authority pursuant to provisions of the CARES Act through January 14, 2022. Accordingly, court hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters. Read more

1st Quarter Committee on Federal Courts Newsletter and District Updates. In this inaugural Federal Courts Committee newsletter, we interview three leaders from California’s federal bench and bar: Magistrate Judge Helena M. Barch-Kuchta of the Eastern District of California, former U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna of the Central District of California, and Cuauhtemoc Ortega, the newly appointed Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California.    In This Issue: In this inaugural Federal Courts Committee newsletter, we interview three leaders from California’s… Read more