The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Proudly Announces the Appointment of New Judges

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (November 21, 2024):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new judges, Commissioner Jon A. Heaberlin and Meghan Piano, following their selection by Governor Gavin Newsom. These appointments are part of a series of judicial appointments announced by the Governor on November 21, 2024, which include ten superior court judges across the state.

Commissioner Jon A. Heaberlin

Commissioner Jon A. Heaberlin has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Commissioner Heaberlin brings a wealth of judicial and legal experience to his new role. He has served as a Commissioner at the Santa Clara County Superior Court since 2023. Before joining the court, Commissioner Heaberlin was a Partner at Rankin | Stock | Heaberlin | Oneal from 2005 to 2023, where he also worked as an Associate from 1998 to 2005.

Commissioner Heaberlin earned his Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nona Klippen.

Meghan Piano

Meghan Piano has also been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Ms. Piano has served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office since 2008. Her extensive legal background includes her work as an Adjunct Professor at Santa Clara University School of Law from 2015 to 2022, as well as her prior experience as a Research Assistant and Clinical Fellow for the Northern California Innocence Project from 2007 to 2008.

Ms. Piano earned her Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James E. Towery.

The Santa Clara County Superior Court welcomes Judges Heaberlin and Piano to their new roles and looks forward to their contributions to the judiciary and the community they serve.