Congratulations, Justice Charles Smiley!
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero swearing in Justice Charles Smiley
On February 14, 2025, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced that the commission today confirmed Hon. Charles Smiley to the California Courts of Appeal. He will serve as an associate justice of the First Appellate District, Division One in San Francisco. He was confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: Chief Justice Guerrero (Chair); Attorney General Rob Bonta; and Presiding Justice Jim Humes (for the First District).
Justice Charles A. Smiley fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sandra L. Margulies. He has served as an Alameda County Superior Court judge since 2012 and as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law since 2014. Judge Smiley served as a commissioner at the Alameda County Superior Court from 2007 to 2012. He served as a deputy public defender at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 2007 and was an associate adjunct professor at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco from 2004 to 2007. Judge Smiley earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.
The Earl Warren Inn was very pleased to present an endorsement letter on Justice Smiley’s behalf. As a long-time member and past president, Justice Smiley’s contributions to the Earl Warren Inn are significant. Under his presidency, our Inn earned our first ever Platinum Status, a standard we have maintained ever since. Even as an emeritus member, he can be counted on to help with our events. His addresses featuring the history of African American legal advocacy in California and the Alameda County legal community demonstrates his dedication to both educating and inspiring the legal community. He has even served as AV genius and coordinator, helping various programs over the years with their audio/video needs.
Justice Smiley is the embodiment of the Inn’s core values of professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence in the legal profession. His leadership is deeply appreciated and we know that he will find great success and fulfillment in his new role at the First District Court of Appeal. Congratulations again, Justice Smiley, from your Earl Warren Inn family!