Michael Garabed Appointed to San Diego County Superior Court

Michael Garabed, a litigator and Assistant United States Attorney, was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court of California for the County of San Diego.

The Armenian Bar Association and its Judicial Evaluation Committee supported Garabed’s appointment, citing his more than 22 years of legal experience, courtroom expertise, public service, integrity, and judicial temperament. The Association described him as “exceptionally qualified” and expressed confidence that he will serve the people of California “with distinction and honor.”

Garabed has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California since 2015, representing the United States in complex civil litigation involving constitutional claims, employment disputes, tort actions, and other significant matters. He has also briefed and argued cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Before entering public service, Garabed was a partner at Reed Smith LLP, where he handled sophisticated intellectual property, employment, commercial, and business disputes, including court and jury trials.

Since 2023, Garabed has also served as a Judge Pro Tem in the San Diego Superior Court, primarily presiding over small claims matters. His judicial service has provided firsthand experience ensuring that litigants, including those representing themselves, are treated with fairness, patience, and respect.

As the son of an Armenian immigrant who came to the United States from Lebanon shortly before the outbreak of civil war, Garabed developed a deep appreciation for the rule of law, equal opportunity, and the importance of strong democratic institutions. Inspired by his father’s experiences with discrimination and his profound respect for the freedoms and protections afforded by the American legal system, he dedicated his career to public service. He has also mentored students through the Crawford High School Academy of Law and has been recognized for his commitment to access to justice.