News Release
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Announces Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge for 2027–2028
SAN JOSE, California (September 21, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is pleased to announce the confirmation of the Hon. Eric S. Geffon as Presiding Judge and the selection of the Hon. Jose S. Franco as Assistant Presiding Judge for the Court’s 2027–2028 leadership term. Their terms will begin January 1, 2027.
Judge Geffon currently serves as Assistant Presiding Judge and will succeed the Honorable Julie A. Emede, whose term as Presiding Judge concludes December 31, 2026.
Hon. Eric S. Geffon – Presiding Judge
Judge Geffon was appointed to the Santa Clara County Superior Court bench in 2014 and has served in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. He served as Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division in 2020 and 2021 and as Assistant Supervising Judge of the Civil Division in 2024 before beginning his term as Assistant Presiding Judge in January 2025.
Judge Geffon earned bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Philosophy from California State University, Sacramento, and his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. He began his legal career with the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office, where he practiced from 1995 to 2001. He later co-founded the criminal defense firm Geffon & Isger and practiced there until his appointment to the bench.
“I am deeply honored by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to serve as Presiding Judge,” said Judge Geffon. “Our Court is fortunate to have dedicated judicial officers and staff who work every day to provide fair, timely, and meaningful access to justice. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by Presiding Judge Emede and working collaboratively with Judge Franco, our Court leadership, and our justice and community partners as we continue to serve the people of Santa Clara County.”
Hon. Jose S. Franco – Assistant Presiding Judge
Judge Franco currently serves in the Court’s Civil Division and previously served as Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Division. Throughout his judicial service, Judge Franco has contributed to the Court’s administration and its work to provide fair, timely, and accessible justice to the residents of Santa Clara County.
“I am grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to serve as Assistant Presiding Judge and honored to join Judge Geffon in leading our Court,” said Judge Franco. “I look forward to supporting our judges and staff, strengthening collaboration across the Court, and helping ensure that we remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”
Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede congratulated the incoming leadership team and expressed confidence in the Court’s continued direction.
“Judges Geffon and Franco bring significant experience, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to public service to their new leadership roles,” said Presiding Judge Emede. “I am confident they will lead the Court with integrity and thoughtfulness while continuing our shared commitment to the fair and effective administration of justice for everyone who relies on our Court.”
The Presiding Judge provides leadership for the Court and oversees the administration of Court operations in accordance with the California Rules of Court. The Assistant Presiding Judge supports those responsibilities and acts on behalf of the Presiding Judge when necessary.
The Court thanks Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede for her leadership and service during the 2025–2026 term and looks forward to a seamless transition as Judges Geffon and Franco assume their new leadership roles on January 1, 2027.