Judges and Judiciary
Apr. 10, 2026
LA Superior Court sees wave of retirements as longtime judges depart
Six judges and one commissioner will retire in May, adding to 20 departures this year, including Judge James Chalfant, known for high-profile rulings on pandemic restrictions and prosecutorial policies.
Six judges and one commissioner will retire in May, bringing the total number of Los Angeles County Superior Court bench officers departing this year to 20.
Several of the judges retiring in April and May are already off the bench, using accrued vacation time, while others opted not to seek re-election in the June primary.
Judge Michael E. Pastor died Feb. 14. Meanwhile, Judge Stephen Goorvitch, nominated by Gov. Gavin Newsom in February, is expected to be confirmed to th...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In