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Sep. 16, 2026

For Commissioner Dennis Hernandez, family court is a 'No Drama' zone

Commissioner Dennis F. Hernandez says his job in family court is often to cut through emotion, identify the dispute that actually needs deciding and help families move forward.

Read more about Dennis F. Hernandez...
For Commissioner Dennis Hernandez, family court is a 'No Drama' zone
Los Angeles County Superior Court

Career Highlights: Appointed commissioner, Los Angeles County, June 2018; of counsel, Alvarado Smith, Los Angeles, 2017-18; of counsel, Luna & Glushon, Encino, 2001-16; general counsel, Perosonic Inc., Los Angeles, 2001-01; vice president of legal affairs, Fox Television Stations, Los Angeles, 1997-99; associate, partner, Baker & Hostetler, Los Angeles, 1989-97; associate, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP, Los Angeles, 1987-89; deputy city attorney, Los Angeles, 1985-87; staff attorney, U.S, Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resource, Los Angeles, 1983-85; law clerk, California Supreme Court, 1982-83

Law School: Georgetown University Law Center, 1981

LOS ANGELES - A small llama sits near Commissioner Dennis F. Hernandez when he takes the bench at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

It came from his first judicial assistant and carries a simple message: "No Drama Llama."

For Hernandez, it is more than decoration.

"It's a reminder for me to maintain that demeanor, that sense of calm when I'm sitting on the bench," he said.

Sometimes he points it out to litigants.

&... (continued)

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