2nd District presiding justice resigns suddenly after 2 years

Presiding Justice Brian S. Currey of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, Div. 4 unexpectedly resigned, according to a court statement that gave no explanation. Currey, a former partner with O'Melveny & Myers LLP who was elevated to presiding justice by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023, served his last day on the bench on Friday, according to the court.

"The court extends its deepest gratitude to Justice Currey for his exemplary service to the judiciary and the people of California and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors," read the release.

Currey was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2014 and the appellate court in 2018.

Currey spent 30 years with O'Melveny, beginning as an associate in 1981 shortly after graduation from University of Virginia School of Law.

He was promoted to partner in 1989. As vice chair of the litigation department, he oversaw several major cases, including litigation stemming from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, the 1991 Cantara Loop/Sacramento River train derailment and toxic chemical spill and product liability for the drug Vioxx.

He was appointed counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in 2010 and later served as deputy mayor for economic and business policy.

Currey returned to O'Melveny in 2013 as of counsel before his appointment by Brown in 2014.

Currey is also the leader of the California Civility Task Force, a joint project of the California Lawyers Association and the California Judges Association.

In 2024, Currey received the Outstanding Jurist Award from the Los Angeles County Bar Association or his "judicial acumen and steadfast dedication to justice," according to the association. The county bar also cited Currey's commitment to legal education and advocacy, showcased through his current role in the civility task force.

Currey could not be reached for comment. A public relations representative for O'Melveny declined to comment via email on Tuesday