Judge Erica Yew Elected 2023-24 President of the California Judges Association

The Access Commission is pleased to announce the election of Judge Erica Yew as the new president of the California Judges Association (CJA). 

From the CJA: Judge Yew's distinguished judicial career spans over two decades. In her appointment to the Santa Clara Superior Court, she made history as the court’s first female Asian American Pacific Islander judge. Her illustrious career has been marked by exceptional leadership roles in various organizations, such as the Judicial Council of California, the California Commission on Judicial Performance, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Judicial Council, and the California Asian Pacific American Judges Association.

Currently, Judge Yew continues to make significant contributions to the judicial community through her leadership positions on several committees and organizations, including the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions, the California Access to Justice Commission, the National Center for State Courts, and the California Judicial Mentor Program. Her experience as an attorney also includes serving on the California State Bar Board of Governors, an esteemed position that further demonstrates her commitment to the legal profession.

As president of CJA, Judge Yew will work to advance the interests of the organization and the California judiciary. She will be responsible for leading CJA's efforts to improve the administration of justice in California, as well as ensuring that the organization remains a strong and effective voice for judges throughout the state.

“As the first person in my family to become an attorney and a judge, I am honored to be selected as President of CJA,” said Yew. “My parents left their homeland to give their children opportunities in this country and I have been proud to serve as a member of the legal community and judicial branch. I am the beneficiary of the goodwill and support of so many people… I will do my best to give back and be worthy of the trust of my esteemed colleagues.”

Judge Yew has served on the Access Commission since 2014. She currently serves as co-chair on the Racial Justice & Intersectionality Committee and is a valued member of the Judicial Support, Language Access, and Nominating Committees.