Judicial Excellence Award Recipient The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez
While the customary term for Presiding Judge is two years, Judge Hernandez agreed to serve an additional third year, providing critical continuity and stability during a demanding period for the court. Her willingness to continue in this role reflects both her extraordinary dedication and the confidence placed in her leadership by her judicial colleagues. Under Judge Hernandez’s stewardship, the Orange County Superior Court has addressed longstanding challenges with innovation, collaboration, and transparency. She has prioritized reducing delay, improving efficiency, and expanding access to justice—always with an eye toward practical solutions that serve litigants, attorneys, and the public. One of her most impactful achievements is the creation and implementation of the Informal Discovery Conference (IDC) Program, a forward-thinking initiative designed to resolve civil discovery disputes quickly and efficiently. The program has achieved a remarkable 97 percent resolution rate, dramatically reducing discovery-related delays and easing congestion on civil calendars. The IDC program stands as a clear example of Judge Hernandez’s ability to identify systemic challenges and implement solutions that truly work. Equally significant has been Judge Hernandez’s commitment to communication and collaboration with the legal community. During her tenure, she instituted quarterly meetings with all Orange County bar associations, creating a consistent forum to share information, address concerns, and foster mutual understanding. She embraced an open-door policy, welcoming feedback and dialogue, and demonstrating genuine respect for the perspectives of practitioners who engage with the court every day. This approach strengthened trust and reinforced the shared mission of ensuring the effective administration of justice. Beyond Orange County, Judge Hernandez has contributed at the statewide level through her service on judicial committees and the California Judicial Council. She is also a dedicated educator and mentor, investing in judicial education and the development of future lawyers and judges. Judge Hernandez’s leadership is defined by intellect, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her service has strengthened the Orange County Superior Court and enhanced public confidence in our judiciary. OCTLA is honored to recognize the Honorable Maria D. Hernandez for her extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to our justice system. Please join us in congratulating OCTLA’s 2026 Judge of the Year.
The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association is proud to honor Maria D. Hernandez as its 2026 Judge of the Year. This distinguished award recognizes a jurist whose leadership, vision, and tireless commitment have strengthened not only the Orange County Superior Court, but the administration of justice throughout our community. We are especially honored to present this award at the Installation & Judicial Awards Ceremony on January 10, 2026, at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, where the legal community gathers to celebrate exceptional service to the rule of law. Judge Hernandez’s legal career reflects both depth and an unwavering dedication to public service. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine, and her Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law, she served with distinction as a Senior Deputy Public Defender in Orange County. That experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for fairness, due process, and the human impact of judicial decision- making—principles that continue to guide her leadership today. She began her judicial service as a Commissioner in 2006 and was appointed to the Orange County Superior Court bench in 2009. Over the years, Judge Hernandez served in a wide range of assignments, including criminal and juvenile matters, earning respect for her integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to meaningful justice. For the past three years, Judge Hernandez has served as Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, leading one of the largest and busiest trial court systems in the nation.
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online