Newsom names 6 new superior court judges, 4 in LA County

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed six new Superior Court judges on Tuesday, filling vacancies in Tulare, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties with a mix of prosecutors, public defenders, private practitioners, and appellate attorneys.

In Tulare County, Newsom appointed Katrina Brownson to the Superior Court. Brownson has served as an assistant district attorney since 2024, after working there as a deputy district attorney from 2015 to 2023. She also served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of California from 2023 to 2024 and briefly worked as an associate at the Law Offices of Jack M. Early. Brownson earned her law degree from Western State College of Law and fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Juliet L. Boccone Gallo.

Four appointments were made to the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Sarah J. Ellenberg, a court commissioner since 2024, was elevated to the bench. Ellenberg previously worked with the Independent Defense Counsel Office and served in leadership roles with the LAW Project of Los Angeles. Her earlier career included stints as a deputy public defender and deputy alternate public defender, as well as a year as an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Ellenberg received her law degree from New York University School of Law and replaces retiring Judge Juan C. Dominguez.

Jonathan Eisenman was appointed from his role as assistant general counsel at the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. Eisenman previously served as a deputy city attorney, worked in private practice, and clerked for both the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Scott T. Millington.

Erin Donovan, a longtime partner at Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP, was also appointed. Donovan, who has practiced with the firm since 2003, received her law degree from Loyola Law School and fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Mark Hanasono to the Court of Appeal.

Erin Reed, a senior appellate court attorney with the 2nd District Court of Appeal, was named to the Los Angeles bench as well. Reed previously worked as an associate and as a judicial clerk with the New Mexico Court of Appeals. She earned her law degree from UC Davis School of Law and replaces Judge Armen Tamzarian, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

In San Bernardino County, Newsom appointed Kevin Lee, a deputy public defender since 2013. Lee earned his law degree from George Washington University School of Law and fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David S. Cohn.