Chief executive of Sacramento court retires

The chief executive of the Sacramento County Superior Court is retiring Friday, after 25 years in public service.

"Lee Seale has been an exceptional leader -- providing clear direction, meaningful support, and fostering collaboration with our justice and labor partners," Presiding Judge Bunmi O. Awoniyi said in a statement. "Under his guidance, the court expanded its capabilities, embraced innovation, and improved access to justice for our community."

Seale became chief executive of the Sacramento Court in 2021 and led a series of reforms to improve efficiency and access. His tenure saw the adoption of eCourt and electronic filing, modernization of jury services with postcard summons and text updates, and structural changes such as restructuring the Probate Division and extending hours at the Carol Miller Justice Center. He also launched the Guardianship Assistance Program with local law schools to aid self-represented litigants and expanded dispute resolution through continued grant-funded mediation for Unlawful Detainer and Small Claims cases. The civil home court model helped significantly reduce civil case backlogs.

"Lee has demonstrated strong leadership in overseeing and developing the court executive team," Awoniyi said. "His steady and supportive guidance has had a lasting impact on our 700-plus court employees."

Before joining the court, Seale served as Sacramento County's chief probation officer and as a special assistant inspector general for the Department of Corrections, overseeing investigations and legal staff. Earlier, he was a deputy state attorney general, handling statewide cases and arguing before the California Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.

"Serving as Court Executive Officer has been a rewarding role," said Seale. "I am proud of what this court has accomplished and thankful for the extraordinary judges, staff, and justice partners who have made our progress possible."

The Sacramento Superior Court has not announced plans for selecting Seale's successor