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Apr. 9, 2026

Judge Esther Kim presses for clarity and finality in family law trials

In long-cause family disputes, Kim pushes litigants past broad goals to workable orders, aiming to deliver lasting resolutions for families.

Read more about Esther P. Kim...
Judge Esther Kim presses for clarity and finality in family law trials
Los Angeles County Superior Court

Career Highlights: Appointed Los Angeles County Superior Court judge by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oct. 25, 2019; deputy attorney general, California Department of Justice, 2006-19; staff attorney, Children's Law Center of Los Angeles, 2005-06; managing attorney, Law Offices of Jay C. Hong, 2004-05; associate, Law Offices of William C. Behrndt III, 2004; sole practitioner, 2004; associate, Law Offices of Jason Hsu, 2003-04.

Law School: Whittier Law School, 2002

LOS ANGELES - During a recent proceeding before Superior Court Judge Esther P. Kim, what began as a discussion of parenting time moved steadily toward a different question: what, exactly, the court could order.

In the divorce case involving teenage children, the plaintiff, the mother, had taken the stand and was being questioned by her attorney, Earl Robertson III.

"She's trying to find something that works given the circumstances," said Robertso... (continued)

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