News Release
Governor Appoints Chhaya Malik to the Santa Clara County Superior Court Bench
SAN JOSE, California (September 21, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is pleased to announce the appointment of Chhaya Malik to serve as a Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced Ms. Malik’s appointment on September 18, 2026. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Socrates P. Manoukian.
Ms. 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, Ms. 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.
Ms. Malik earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
“We are delighted to welcome Judge Malik to the Santa Clara County Superior Court,” said Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede. “Her extensive experience in dispute resolution, civil rights, public policy, and private practice will bring a valuable perspective to our bench. We look forward to working alongside her as we continue our commitment to providing fair, accessible, and effective justice to the people of Santa Clara County.”
The Court congratulates Chhaya Malik on her appointment and welcomes her to the Santa Clara County Superior Court.