California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Chhaya Malik to the Santa Clara County Superior Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Socrates P. Manoukian. Newsom announced Malik’s appointment on September 18. She brings more than two decades of diverse experience spanning law, mediation, public policy, and public service to the bench.
Professional Background and Legal Career:
Malik’s extensive career includes prominent roles across government, private practice, and civil rights organizations. She has served as deputy director of dispute resolution at the California Civil Rights Department since 2022. She previously worked as a mediator at Devi Legal Mediation Services from 2020 to 2022 and as special counsel at Ehrlich & Craig from 2012 to 2022. Earlier, she served as a policy liaison with the U.S. Department of State from 2011 to 2012 and as a staff attorney at the Advancement Project from 2009 to 2011. She began her legal career as an associate at Hogan Lovells, practicing there from 2005 to 2009. Malik earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
Welcome and Institutional Response:
Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede warmly welcomed Malik’s appointment. Emede highlighted her robust background and expertise in dispute resolution, civil rights, public policy, and private practice as valuable assets to the court.
