The Honorable Sergio C. Tapia

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Closing Speaker

Judge Sergio C. Tapia serves as the presiding judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largest trial court in the nation. Appointed in 2013, he has held multiple leadership roles within the court and the Judicial Council, and he currently advises Governor Gavin Newsom through the Judicial Selection Advisory Committee. Before joining the bench, Judge Tapia worked as a public defender, an AmeriCorps attorney, and an adjunct law professor. A first‑generation college graduate and the son of Mexican immigrant parents, he has dedicated his career to public service, mentorship, and expanding access to justice.

Key Roles & Service

• Former Assistant Presiding Judge and Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division
• Member, Judicial Council committees and statewide advisory groups
• Leadership in judicial and legal organizations, including California Latino Judges Association (President)
• Longtime mentor and supporter of civic education programs
• Degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Iowa College of Law
• Married to Superior Court Judge