Governor Appoints Thomas Sprankling to the Santa Clara County Superior Court Bench

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (November 9, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Sprankling to serve as a Judge of the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Mr. Sprankling’s appointment on November 4, 2026. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Thomas E. Kuhnle.

Mr. Sprankling has been a Partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr since 2022. He previously served as Counsel from 2019 to 2021, Senior Associate from 2016 to 2018, and Associate from 2013 to 2015. He also served as a Law Clerk at the United States Supreme Court from 2016 to 2017 and to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2012 to 2013.

Mr. Sprankling earned his Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School.

“The Court welcomes Hon. Thomas Sprankling to the Bench,” said Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede. “His diverse legal experience and dedication to the rule of law will greatly benefit our Court and the community we serve. We are delighted to welcome him as a colleague.”

The Court congratulates Thomas Sprankling on his appointment and welcomes him to the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

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