Los Angeles County Superior Court

The Los Angeles judge manages a 700-case civil calendar by staying months ahead, pushing cases toward earlier resolution and digging into the legal questions that still challenge her after more than four decades on the bench.

San Bernardino Superior Court

San Bernardino Superior Court Commissioner Margaret Beare draws on years in dependency and mental health law to ensure litigants -- particularly those representing themselves -- have a meaningful opportunity to present their case.

Los Angeles County Superior Court

After 30 years on the bench, Superior Court Commissioner Brad M. Fox draws on decades of criminal law experience to manage Torrance's Early Disposition Program, where dozens of misdemeanor cases can be resolved in a single morning.

Los Angeles County Superior Court

After more than three decades as a civil litigator, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald F. Frank sought out one of the court system's busiest assignments -- unlawful detainers -- where a compressed calendar, self-represented litigants and competing hardships demand quick preparation and careful judgment.

San Bernardino County Superior Court

After nearly 30 years as a civil litigator, Judge Douglas K. Mann chose the unfamiliar terrain of probate, where family conflict, self-represented litigants and difficult questions demand preparation, patience and a willingness to hear every side.