Over the past decade, I have represented both adults and juveniles in felony and misdemeanor cases, tried over 35 jury trials and adjudications, and handled more than 50 life cases. I have witnessed how a fair and impartial judge can level the playing field and ensure justice is accessible to all—not just the privileged.

These experiences solidified my belief in the vital role of judicial integrity. Following college, I worked as a substitute teacher for grades 5 through 12, sharpening my ability to communicate clearly, listen deeply, and relate to youth navigating difficult circumstances. In law school, I participated in the Street Law program, teaching legal concepts to high school students—another reflection of my belief in civic education and community empowerment.

Beyond the courtroom, I serve as President of the Los Angeles County Black Public Defenders Association, where I work to support attorneys of color, encourage professional development, and promote equity within the legal field. This role has deepened my leadership skills and strengthened my commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and public service.

More recently, I was honored to be promoted to Deputy-in-Charge—a responsibility that I do not take lightly, especially considering my age. I currently supervise 12 attorneys, five of whom have more years of legal experience than I do. To be trusted with leading an office is a reflection of the confidence my supervisors and colleagues have in my judgment, leadership, and ability to foster professional growth. It’s a role that challenges me daily to lead with humility, consistency, and accountability.

In summary, my family history, lived experiences, professional achievements, and personal values collectively make me a well-qualified and well-rounded candidate to serve as Judge. I am committed to serving with humility, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to fairness and justice for all.

Los Angeles County courts are making meaningful progress in community involvement and alternative sentencing. Courts have expanded outreach through programs like expungement clinics, diversion initiatives, and partnerships with community organizations. These efforts help build trust and provide individuals with opportunities to address underlying issues—such as mental health or substance use—outside of traditional punishment. Alternative sentencing options, including treatment-based programs and supervision in lieu of custody, have created more balanced outcomes that prioritize rehabilitation while maintaining public safety.

At the same time, there is still important work to be done. Access to the courts remains a challenge for many, particularly self-represented litigants who may struggle to understand procedures or navigate the system. Increasing clarity, improving communication, and ensuring language access are critical to making the courts more user-friendly. Transparency is another area for growth. Members of the public should be able to easily understand court processes and feel confident that decisions are made fairly and consistently.

By continuing to invest in community-based solutions while improving access and transparency, the courts can strengthen public trust and better serve all residents of Los Angeles County.

Chellei Jimenez has spent 23 years in courtrooms standing beside people whose lives were on the line. Parents fighting for their children. Workers trying to stay afloat. Families facing uncertainty and fear. Thousands of clients who trusted her with their most personal struggles and their hope for resolution.

That experience shaped her judgment. As the managing attorney of her own law firm, Chellei has taken hundreds of cases from start to finish and tried more than 300 matters to decision. She knows the law. She knows the pressure of a live courtroom. And she knows the real cost when cases drag on. Time in court means time away from jobs, children, health, and stability. As a judge, she will run an efficient, prepared courtroom that respects people’s lives and moves cases forward.

Her commitment to service reaches far beyond her practice. For more than 16 years, she has helped lead a nonprofit that provides meals, showers, scholarships, emergency supplies, and direct support to people in crisis. For the past decade, she has mentored middle and high school students, sharing her own journey from a struggling teenager to a successful attorney so they can see what is possible for their own lives.

Chellei is also the wife of a United States Army veteran and has represented many military families. She understands their challenges and their sacrifice. She and her husband have three children.

Chellei Jimenez will be a judge people can relate to. A judge who listens. A judge who understands the real pressures families face when they walk into a courtroom. She will bring wisdom earned from thousands of cases, a deep commitment to fairness, and a focus on moving cases forward so people can move forward with their lives.

Candidate has not yet responded.

I am running for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office No. 65. I am a Partner in the ERISA, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group at Hall Benefits Law, and I bring nearly three decades of legal experience to this race — including at elite national firms Skadden Arps, Hogan & Hartson, and Crowell & Moring, as well as serving as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of California Schools VEBA, an organization with approximately $1 billion in annual revenue providing benefits to over 150,000 public employees. I served as a Voluntary Temporary Judge for the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, giving me direct, hands-on courtroom judicial experience. I am admitted to practice in both California and New York. I am also legal author and scholar and I am a contributor or co-author on three published books, have written scores of articles, and I am most recently published across multiple Bloomberg News platforms including Bloomberg Law, Bloomberg Tax, the Daily Tax Report, and the Bloomberg Terminal. I have delivered educational presentations at legal conferences across the country, from the ABA Tax Division to national benefits summits. I earned my LL.M. in Tax from New York University School of Law and my JD from Hofstra University School of Law, where I graduated ranked 21st out of 274 and received my degree With Distinction.

The Superior Court, as a whole is well organized, well run and staffed by good, hardworking individuals, both on the bench and in supporting roles. That said, I believe the Superior Court could be faster, more accessible, and more user-friendly without sacrificing fairness. Too many people experience the court system as slow, confusing, and difficult to navigate. I would reduce backlogs, improve staffing and courtroom resources, expand language access and self-help services, and make sure every litigant is treated with dignity and respect. Justice should not depend on whether someone can afford counsel or understand a complicated process. The court should deliver not only fair outcomes, but a fair process that people can trust.

I have almost two decades of legal experience dedicated entirely to public service in Los Angeles County.

My background spans multiple parts of the justice system. I clerked at the District Attorney’s Office in the Compton Hardcore Gang unit as a certified clerk, as well as in Lancaster on a special circumstances case. After law school, I represented Sheriff’s deputies in labor and administrative matters.

I later became a Deputy Public Defender handling misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases in court every day. I worked at multiple courthouses: Clara Shortridge Foltz, East Los Angeles, San Fernando, Eastlake Juvenile, Sylmar Juvenile, San Fernando and Santa Clarita. I stayed with the Office of the Public Defender for over a decade trying cases in front of juries and handling thousands of cases.

I now serve as Deputy County Counsel in the Justice and Safety Division, providing legal advice to County departments and supervising high-profile civil matters.

This breadth of experience across criminal, civil, and government advisement is unique and valuable because it gives me a well-rounded perspective and prepares me to serve effectively from day one.

I am committed to serving with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law and the rights of all Angelenos.

Los Angeles County courts are staffed by dedicated judges and professionals who work hard to manage a high volume of cases while upholding the rule of law. I have seen many judges who are thoughtful, well-prepared, and committed to fair outcomes, along with meaningful progress in evidence-based programs that address underlying issues and reduce recidivism.

At the same time, challenges remain. Access to justice can be difficult, especially for self-represented individuals navigating complex procedures. Backlogs and limited resources can delay resolution, and experiences can vary depending on the courtroom.

Through my experience as a Deputy Public Defender and now as Deputy County Counsel, I have seen how much the individual judge matters. Judges set the tone. By prioritizing clear communication, preparation, and respect, they can make the system more accessible and ensure proceedings are both efficient and fair for everyone involved.

Overall, the courts have a strong foundation, but continued focus on accessibility, consistency, and timely resolution will strengthen public trust.