Superior Court of California, County of Marin
A general-jurisdiction trial court in California.
The Superior Court of California, County of Marin is a general-jurisdiction state trial court in California, where most civil and criminal cases are first heard. Its judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment from a nominating commission, followed by retention elections, the method California uses for its judges. This page lists the judges on record for this court from our public-records source, current and former; trial-court coverage is partial.
Roster as of the CourtListener bulk-data snapshot (2026-03-31): recent departures and appointments may not be reflected, so it is shown as “on record,” not “currently serving.”
Judges on record
- Roy O. Chernus
- Mark A. Talamantes
- Beverly K. Wood
- Stephen P. Freccero
- Geoffrey M. Howard
- Beth S. Jordan
- Sheila S. Lichtblau
Former judges
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| James T. Chou | 2010–2020 |
| Andrew E. Sweet | 2009–2021 |
| Paul M. Haakenson | 2007–2019 |
| Faye D'Opal | 2005–2017 |
| Kelly V. Simmons | 2005–2017 |
| Terrence R. Boren | 2004–2011 |
| James R. Ritchie | 2000–2013 |
| Verna A. Adams | 1999–2009 |
| Lynn Duryee | 1998–2014 |
| John Stephen Graham | 1998–2008 |
| William Thomas, Jr. McGivern | 1998–2004 |
| John A., Jr. Sutro | 1998–2010 |
| Vernon F. Smith | 1997–2007 |
| Lynn O'Malley Taylor | 1991–2004 |
| William Stephens | 1988–1999 |
| Gary W. Thomas | 1987–1998 |
| Beverly Bloch Savitt | 1983–1995 |
| Peter A. Smith | 1979–1991 |
| Richard H. Breiner | 1977–1998 |
| David , Jr. Menary | 1972–1987 |
| Henry J. Broderick | 1970–1990 |
| E. Warren McGuire | 1968–1988 |
| Joseph G. Wilson | 1965–1982 |
| Thomas J. Lennon | 1902–1909 |
Other courts in County, California
County is also served by these courts.
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Marin are appointed by the governor to 12-year terms and then face yes-or-no retention elections. Selection methods vary by jurisdiction and have changed over time; this page reflects the court’s current method (source: National Center for State Courts). Open any judge to see their tenure and whom they succeeded.
Source: CourtListener / Free Law Project (bulk data); selection method from the National Center for State Courts. Data as of 2026-03-31 (CourtListener bulk snapshot). Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).