The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Proudly Announces the Swearing-In of Judge Cynthia Chen

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (July 31, 2024):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara is pleased to announce the swearing-in of Cynthia Chen as its newest judge, following her Oath of Office ceremony on July 31, 2024.

Judge Cynthia Chen, an accomplished attorney with a background in legal advocacy and public service, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has served as the Supervising Attorney at the Dependency Advocacy Center since 2022, and prior to that, as a Staff Attorney at the same organization from 2018 to 2022. Her commitment to juvenile justice is further exemplified by her tenure as Guardian Ad Litem at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Dependency Court from 2017 to 2018 and her earlier experience as a Law Clerk at the Boston Juvenile Court from 2011 to 2012.

Judge Chen’s diverse legal career includes serving as Staff Counsel at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2009 to 2011 and as a Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, Judge Chen has federal judicial experience, having clerked for the Honorable Cormac Carney at the U.S. District Court, Central District of California in 2007. Her early career included a role as an Associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP from 2005 to 2007.

Presiding Judge Beth McGowen expressed her enthusiasm for the addition of Hon. Chen to the Santa Clara County Superior Court, stating, "Judge Cynthia Chen's extensive legal background and commitment to justice make her a tremendous asset to our Court. We are excited to see the positive impact she will have on our community."

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, welcomes Judge Cynthia Chen and looks forward to her contributions to upholding justice and serving the community with integrity and distinction.