Brown announces judicial appointments, Sacramento Superior to have first ever Sikh judge

Judge Joginder Dhillon. |  

December 8, 2018 |      

As is his practice when making judicial appointment announcements, yesterday Gov. Jerry Brown released a lengthy list of appointments to various California superior court seats. 

Among the 12 appointments was Joginder Dhillon, 57, of Sacramento. What makes Dhillon's appointment noteworthy is the first Sikh judge ever appointed to the Sacramento County Superior Court.

Prior to this appointment, Dhillon had a lengthy resume starting with graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1982 followed by a 20-year military career. During these years Dhillon held a variety of legal positions worldwide that culminated as the legal advisor to U.S. Space Command/North American Aerospace Defense Command. 

Following military service as chief counsel for the California Gambling Control Commission from 2009 to 2013 and as general counsel for the California Emergency Management Agency from 2007 to 2009. He was director of academic support at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law from 2005 to 2007, an associate at Booz Allen Hamilton from 2004 to 2005 and an associate and shareholder at Schuering Zimmerman and Doyle LLP from 2002 to 2004.

"Joe Dhillon is one of the leading legal minds in our region, with an impeccable record of public service and a generous heart," attorney Amar Shergill, a leader in the Sacramento region Sikh community. "The Sikh community is blessed that our first representative in the local judiciary is so eminently qualified and universally admired

Dhillon earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a Master of Laws degree in intellectual property law from the University of Houston Law Center. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Raymond M. Cadei. 

 Dhillon is registered without party preference.