Skip to main content.

Equal Access to Justice and Prevention of Bias Committee

Equal Access to Justice and Prevention of Bias Committee

Equal

MISSION STATEMENT

We, the Judges and Commissioners of the Orange County Superior Court, remain committed to providing fair and equal justice under the law for every person who enters our courthouse doors regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or identity. We will vigilantly work to ensure that equality and inclusion is a reality for all, every day in our court.

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

Under the leadership and direction of the Hon. Richard Y. Lee, Chair of the Equal Access to Justice and Prevention of Bias Committee, the Orange County Superior Court developed a comprehensive diversity and inclusion collaboration with legal aid and include local bar associations to support less experienced and underrepresented attorneys so they can gain valuable litigation and courtroom experience. The committee’s goals are to:

  • Creating opportunities
  • Promoting access to a broad range of attorneys from all backgrounds
  • Providing courtroom experience
  • Inspiring future generations of attorneys who represent every facet of our society
WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Training and Programs
The Education Subcommittee strives to raise awareness amongst the judiciary, its justice partners, and the community on issues concerning the Court’s efforts toward elimination of bias, ensuring equal and equitable justice, and fair access to the courts and inclusion. The subcommittee will implement educational workshops, forums, and promotional means to accomplish these goals as well as provide an understanding of individual experiences.

Check back for information on future scheduled trainings.

EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND PREVENTION OF BIAS COMMITTEE

Richard Y. Lee, Chair

  • Member, Presiding Judge Sheila Hanson
  • Member, Assistant Presiding Judge, Terri Flynn-Peister
  • Member, Judge Craig E. Arthur
  • Member, Judge Fernando Valle
  • Member, Judge Juliet Macaulay
  • Member, Judge Michele Bell
  • Court Executive Administration Representative, David Yamasaki
  • Court Human Resources Representative Heather Riel, Manager, Employee and Labor Relations
  • Court Facilities Representative, Anthony Palumbo, Manager, Court Facilities
  • Deputy General Counsel, Jennifer Yu

Orange County Bar Association

  • OCBA President, Michael Gregg
  • OCBA Past President, Daniel Robinson
  • OCBA, Member, Shirin Forootan

Affiliate Bar Associations
Community Representatives

QUESTIONS: CONTACT THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICE AT CommunityEngagement@occourts.org

diversity