Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Announces New Court Leadership

SAN JOSÉ, CA (January 2, 2025):  On January 1, 2025, the Honorable Julie A. Emede assumed the role of Presiding Judge, while the Honorable Eric S. Geffon began his tenure as Assistant Presiding Judge.

Judge Emede, previously serving as Assistant Presiding Judge, succeeds the Honorable Beth McGowen, whose term as Presiding Judge concluded on December 31, 2024.  Appointed to the Santa Clara County Superior Court bench in December 2009, Judge Emede previously served in the Civil Division, the Criminal Domestic Violence Court, Provisional Remedies and Appellate Division, Probate Court, Family Court, and Misdemeanor Court. Judge Emede is a presenter at various judicial and continuing legal education seminars, and previously taught Community Property and Family Law at Santa Clara University School of Law.

Since being appointed to the bench in 2014, Judge Geffon has worked in both the criminal and civil divisions of the court. He served as the supervising judge for the criminal division in 2020 and 2021, and as the assistant supervising judge of the civil division in 2024.

"I am optimistic about the future of our court and community as we work to enhance the Court’s functionality in an ever-evolving judicial landscape, under the capable leadership of Judges Emede and Geffon," said outgoing Presiding Judge McGowen. "We are fortunate to have such experienced and respected judicial leaders guiding us forward."

The Presiding Judge oversees court operations and ensures the proper administration of justice, as outlined by the California Rules of Court. The Assistant Presiding Judge assists in these duties and acts on behalf of the Presiding Judge when needed.