Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his nomination of three Court of Appeal Justices: Justice Brian Currey as Presiding Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four; Judge Helen Zukin as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Four; and Judge Martha Gooding as an Associate Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three.

The Governor also announced his appointment of 27 Superior Court Judges, which include one in Orange County.

Judge Martha Gooding, of Orange County, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. She has served as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court since 2013. Judge Gooding was a Partner at Jones Day from 2011 to 2013. She was a Partner at Howrey LLP from 2000 to 2011. Judge Gooding was a Partner at Howard Rice Nemerovski Canady Falk and Rabkin from 1989 to 2000, where she was an Associate from 1983 to 1989. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Judge Gooding fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Richard D. Fybel. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senior Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez. Judge Gooding is a Democrat.

Jay Moorhead, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Moorhead has served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office since 2006. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Joanne Motoike to the Court of Appeal. Moorhead is registered without party preference.

Click here to view all appointments.