Zukin confirmed as presiding justice; 2 others join 2nd District Court of Appeal

The Commission on Judicial Appointments confirmed a presiding justice and two associate justices for the 2nd District Court of Appeal, Division Four.

Associate Justice Helen Zukin was confirmed as presiding justice in Tuesday's virtual hearing. She served as acting presiding justice for four months following the retirement of Presiding Justice Brian Curry, whom she now succeeds.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, joined by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Presiding Justice Arthur Gilbert, announced the unanimous confirmation after hearing testimony from Zukin's colleagues and family.

"The commission finds Justice Helen Zukin qualified to be presiding justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division 4, and confirms her appointment," Guerrero said.

Zukin, 67, brings decades of legal experience, including 28 years in complex civil litigation and nearly two years on the appellate bench. A UC Santa Cruz and Loyola Law School graduate, she handled mass tort, pharmaceutical, and catastrophic injury cases as a partner and solo practitioner before her 2018 appointment to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. There, she presided over family law, civil trial, and administrative assignments.

Appointed to the Court of Appeal in July 2023, Zukin has authored 161 decisions and participated in more than 300 cases.

The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation, JNE, unanimously rated her "exceptionally well-qualified," the highest possible rating. Commission Chair Lorena Rosa said the designation reflected Zukin's "remarkable or extraordinary superiority" in appellate judicial functions.

Colleagues praised Zukin's leadership and temperament. Justice Audrey B. Collins called her "a natural presiding justice" and said she brought both consensus-building and warmth to the bench. Justice Audra M. Mori highlighted her commitment to mentorship and diversity, citing her leadership in founding the California Judicial Mentor Program.

Mori highlighted Zukin's link to inclusion, citing her father's escape from Nazi persecution in Italy. "You can see why Helen understands outsiders' challenges and the importance of inclusion," said Mori.

Zukin's adult children offered personal reflections. Daughter Julia described her mother as "the fair and steadfast presiding justice of our family dinner table," while son Samuel recalled her advocacy during an environmental contamination case affecting their summer camp -- "her Erin Brockovich moment," he said.

Zukin told the commission her priorities include sustaining Division 4's collegiality and adapting to fiscal pressures and technological change. "AI is here to stay," she said, noting the Judicial Council is working on court guidelines.

Since its creation, the judicial mentorship program Zukin launched has reached over 5,000 people and mentored 313 aspiring judges.

"Very few of us achieve anything of consequence without others' support," she said in closing. "Cherished mentors and sponsors helped me overcome self-doubt and opened doors I never imagined."

Becoming a judge, she added, "was never part of any grand plan."

"If someone had told me mid-career I'd be a judge, I'd have said they had the wrong person."

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Armen Tamzarian was unanimously confirmed as associate justice of the 2nd District, Division Four for the position once held by Zukin. Before his appointment to the bench, he was a research attorney for the Court of Appeal and a partner at Case, Knowlson, Jordan & Wright LLP in Los Angeles, specializing in business litigation and constitutional law.

Talking about his time as a research attorney, Tamzarian said, "When I left my law firm and started here at the Court of Appeal, the clouds parted for me. I just couldn't believe what I'd been missing. I learned something about myself: I love the law. I don't necessarily like being an advocate. I'm much better suited to be a neutral."

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark K. Hanasono was the last candidate on Tuesday's agenda for confirmation to the 2nd District, Division Four, filling the vacancy left by Justice Luis A. Lavin's retirement. He also was unanimously confirmed.

Hanasono's resume spans the entire criminal process -- from misdemeanor arraignments to capital case post-conviction petitions. He's served as assistant supervising judge in general and limited jurisdiction courts, impaneled grand juries, shaped criminal division policy, and sat as an associate justice pro tem twice on the 2nd District.

"I was in the car when I got the call from the JNE Commission. I answered at a stoplight. She identified herself and explained why she was calling. The light turned green, and my son Max yelled from the backseat, "Go, Daddy! Go! Go!" I was as flustered then as I am grateful today," he said after taking his oath of office. "Only those involved in the judicial application process understand the incredible work required to vet candidates at each stage. I thank everyone who contributed--not just to my application, but to producing California's judiciary."