Chhaya Malik Sworn in as Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (November 12, 2026):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, welcomed Judge Chhaya Malik to the bench following her oath of office ceremony on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Judge Malik brings more than two decades of legal, mediation, policy, and public service experience to the bench. Since 2022, she has served as Deputy Director of Dispute Resolution at the California Civil Rights Department. From 2020 to 2022, she worked as a Mediator at Devi Legal Mediation Services, and from 2012 to 2022, she served as Special Counsel at Ehrlich & Craig.

Earlier in her career, Judge Malik served as a Policy Liaison with the U.S. Department of State from 2011 to 2012 and as a Staff Attorney at the Advancement Project from 2009 to 2011. She began her legal career as an Associate at Hogan Lovells, where she practiced from 2005 to 2009.

“Judge Malik’s extensive experience in dispute resolution, civil rights, public policy, and private practice bring a valuable perspective to our bench,” said Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede. “The Court looks forward to working alongside her as we continue our commitment to providing fair, accessible, and effective justice to the people of Santa Clara County.”

Judge Malik earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

The Court congratulates Judge Malik on her appointment and warmly welcomes her to the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

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