LASC: Superior Court of Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II Congratulates Judge Samantha P. Jessner on Receiving the Aranda Access to Justice Award

Today, Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County released the following statement congratulating Judge Samantha P. Jessner on receiving the 2025 Aranda Access to Justice Award which honors a judge demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving and promoting fairness and access to the courts, especially for low- and moderate-income Californians.

“On behalf of the Court, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Judge Samantha P. Jessner on receiving the Aranda Access to Justice Award,” Presiding Judge Tapia said. “Judge Jessner’s distinguished judicial career reflects her unwavering commitment to access to justice, ethical leadership, and innovation. Through her tireless service, she has helped ensure that our Court remains accessible, fair, and responsive to all. This award is a fitting and well-deserved recognition of her vision, dedication, and leadership.”

Judge Jessner was appointed to the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in 2007 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She previously served as Presiding Judge of the Court from 2023 to 2024. During her tenure, Judge Jessner issued a General Order to protect litigants’ access to a verbatim record for particular specific family law, probate, and civil cases when a court reporter is unavailable, safeguarding their fundamental rights and ability to appeal. She supported the Court’s Pre-Arraignment Release Protocols, which
reduce reliance on cash bail and create a more equitable release system. Judge Jessner also led the early implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act, collaborating with County partners to connect vulnerable individuals with resources.

In addition, Judge Jessner also served as Assistant Presiding Judge of the Court, Supervising Judge of the Civil Division, Assistant Supervising Judge of the Civil Division, Supervising Judge of the Mental Health Courthouse, and as a judge in the Criminal Division.

She has led the Court’s technology innovation efforts as co-chair of the Technology Committee. She has served on many court committees, including the Civil and Small Claims Committee, the Bench-Bar Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the governing committee of the Judicial Education Committee.

Judge Jessner is a founding member of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers and a member of the National Association of Women Judges and The Trusteeship, the Southern California chapter of the International Women’s Forum.

The Aranda Access to Justice Award, named in honor of Judge Benjamin Aranda III, is co-sponsored by the Judicial Council of California, the California Judges Association, the California Lawyers Association, and the Commission on Access to Justice.

The largest trial court in the nation, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County serves a population of nearly 10 million in 36 courthouses with a jurisdiction covering over 4,000 square miles that consists of 88 cities, 140 unincorporated areas, and more than 90 law enforcement agencies. The Court is steadfast in its mission to serve our community by providing equal access to justice through the fair, timely, and effective resolution of all cases.

You can view the full notice here.