Patrick J. Smalling Appointed to San Joaquin County Superior Court Bench
The Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, are pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick J. Smalling to the position of Superior Court Judge. Mr. Smalling was appointed to the bench on April 1, 2021, by Governor Newsom to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brett H. Morgan.
Mr. Smalling said, “I am pleased and truly thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of San Joaquin County as a Superior Court Judge. In my 17 years working in this legal community, I have had the great benefit of seeing how dedicated the Court and attorneys are to ensuring that San Joaquin County maintains one of the state’s very best legal communities. I understand and accept the awesome responsibility of being a Superior Court Judge and will dedicate myself to ensuring that the various issues I preside over are competently and fairly considered.”
Mr. Smalling, 53, of Livermore, has served as an attorney in the San Joaquin County Public Defender’s Office since 2004 and currently serves as the Assistant Public Defender. In addition to handling his own felony trial caseload, he helps guide, manage, and advise the attorney, investigative, and clerical staff in the office. Throughout his career, he has handled thousands of criminal cases at all stages through trial. He was a Volunteer Deputy Public Defender at the San Francisco County Public Defender’s Office from 2003 to 2004.
Mr. Smalling was admitted to the California State Bar in December 2004. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New College of California School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Hayward.
Mr. Smalling was elected to the San Joaquin County Attorneys Association Board from 2008 to 2015 and served as co-treasurer during his tenure. The San Joaquin County Attorneys Association (SJCAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing San Joaquin County civil service attorneys in labor matters, compensation and benefits issues, employment grievances, and collective bargaining.
Presiding Judge Xapuri B. Villapudua commented on Mr. Smalling’s appointment, stating, “Patrick has had a distinguished career at the Public Defender’s Office, providing outstanding service to the people of San Joaquin County. His experience and integrity make him well suited for the position of judge. I have every confidence he will serve with fairness, a commitment to justice, and respect for all who appear before him. We are excited to welcome him to the bench.”
Mr. Smalling’s formal and public swearing-in ceremony has yet to be scheduled.