Judicial Recommendation Process for Judicial Appointments through the Governor’s Office

The VCUB will recommend applicants for judicial appointment by the Governor’s Office who have demonstrated the applicant’s commitment to the VCUB’s mission and upon evaluation of the criteria as set forth below.

Requirements & Process:

  1.  Applicant must be applying to sit on the Ventura County Superior Court, the Second District Court of Appeal, Division 6, or the California Supreme Court.

  2. The judicial applicant will initiate the Judicial Recommendation Process by:

    a. Contacting the VCUB to request a letter of support, by emailing venturaunitybar@gmail.com.

    b. Providing a copy of the applicant’s judicial application, attachments, and other materials as may be requested by the VCUB.

    c. Submitting to an interview by the Judicial Committee of the VCUB, if requested by the VCUB. The VCUB shall not be required to conduct an interview of every applicant and has the sole discretion to determine whether an interview will or will not be conducted.

  3. The applicant will be evaluated on:

    a. How the applicant has demonstrated the applicant’s commitment to the mission of the VCUB:

    b. Professional ability,

    c. Professional experience,

    d. Judicial temperament,

    e. Professional reputation,

    f. Work ethic,

    g. Lack of bias, and

    h. The applicant’s demonstrated commitment to improving, or increasing, access to the legal system.

  4. Letters of Support.

    If the VCUB determines to support the applicant, the VCUB will draft a letter to the Judicial Appointment Secretary which states the VCUB’s support of the applicant and reflects the experiences and abilities of the applicant. If the VCUB decides not to support the applicant, the VCUB will not submit a letter either for or against the applicant.

  5. Confidentiality.

    Except as necessary to evaluate the applicant, VCUB will take reasonable measures to not disclose any aspect of the judicial application process regarding an applicant. Following the finalization of the letter to the Judicial Appointment Secretary, all evaluation materials will be destroyed by shredding or equivalent manner to prevent inadvertent disclosure of the information

  6. Scope of the Recommendation.

    The letter of support is for the judicial appointment process by the Governor’s Office.