News Release
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Congratulates Hon. Charles Adams on Nomination to the Sixth District Court of Appeal and Welcomes Judicial Appointee Lara Hoffman
SAN JOSÉ, CA (June 3, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara proudly congratulates Judge Charles Adams on his nomination to serve as an Associate Justice of the Sixth District Court of Appeal and welcomes Lara Hoffman following her appointment to the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced both appointments on June 2, 2026.
Hon. Charles Adams
Judge Charles Adams has served on the Santa Clara County Superior Court since 2018. During his tenure, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, judicial excellence, and public service. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Adams served as an Administrative Law Clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, as well as a Staff Attorney and Legal Research Attorney for the Santa Clara County Superior Court. He also practiced law in the private sector.
“Judge Adams has served the people of Santa Clara County with distinction, integrity, and dedication,” said Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede. “His legal acumen, thoughtful judicial temperament, and commitment to equal justice have earned the respect of litigants, attorneys, court staff, and colleagues alike. While we will miss his contributions to our Court, we are proud to see him nominated to continue his service at the appellate level.”
Judge Adams received his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law. If confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, he will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian.
Lara Hoffman
The Court also welcomes Lara Hoffman, who has been appointed by Governor Newsom to serve as a Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Hoffman currently serves as a Senior Staff Attorney and Lecturer in Law at Stanford Law School, positions she has held since 2020. Previously, she served as a Deputy Federal Public Defender in the Central District of California from 2012 to 2020. Earlier in her legal career, she clerked for federal judges in both the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
“We are honored to welcome Lara Hoffman to the Santa Clara County Superior Court,” said Judge Emede. “Her distinguished legal career, commitment to public service, and extensive experience in the justice system will be tremendous assets to our Court and the community we serve. We look forward to the perspective and expertise she will bring to the bench.”
Hoffman earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roberta S. Hayashi.
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara extends its sincere congratulations to Judge Adams and its warm welcome to Judge Hoffman as both continue their service to the people of California.