Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez Nominated to California Court of Appeal
The Armenian Bar Association announced the nomination of Orange County Superior Court
Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez to serve as an Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal,
Fourth District, Division Three.
Judge Daghlian Hernandez has dedicated more than three decades to the legal profession and public
service. Her career reflects extensive courtroom experience, judicial leadership, and a longstanding
commitment to the administration of justice.
The Armenian Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC), comprised of experienced
practitioners from the state and federal systems, conducts thorough, merit-based evaluations of judicial
candidates, including professional vetting and interviews.
Judge Daghlian Hernandez underwent the JEC’s comprehensive evaluation process and was designated
Extremely Well-Qualified, reflecting the JEC’s assessment of her extensive legal and judicial experience,
professional accomplishments, and qualifications for appellate service.
Judge Daghlian Hernandez has served on the Orange County Superior Court since 2009, following three
years as a commissioner. During her judicial career, she has handled a broad range of matters and held
significant leadership positions, including Assistant Presiding Judge and Presiding Judge. She also served
as Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court from 2014 to 2018, overseeing juvenile justice and dependency
matters and participating in initiatives addressing the needs of commercially sexually exploited children.
Her path to the bench was grounded in extensive trial and public-service experience. From 1995 to 2006,
she served as a Senior Deputy Public Defender with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office,
following three years in private practice with the Law Offices of Patrick D. McNeal. Her career has been
marked by a sustained commitment to public service and to the fair and effective administration of
justice.
The Armenian Bar Association recognizes the significance of Judge Daghlian Hernandez’s nomination.
Her broad experience as a trial judge, former public defender, judicial leader, and member of the legal
profession will bring valuable perspective to the appellate bench.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced Judge Daghlian Hernandez’s nomination on September 18, 2026.
She has been nominated to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Maurice Sanchez,
effective October 2, 2026. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the California Commission on
Judicial Appointments, consisting of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and
Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez.
The Armenian Bar Association congratulates Judge Daghlian Hernandez on this significant nomination
and recognizes her decades of service to the people of Orange County and to the California justice system.
