Orange County Superior Court
Career Highlights: Appointed Orange County Superior Court judge by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oct. 5, 2023; of counsel, Bonial & Associates PC, 2020-23; sole practitioner, The Hicklin Firm, 2018-23; associate, Law Offices of Michelle Ghidotti (now GhidottiBerger), 2016-18; senior litigator, Buckley Madole PC, 2014-16; general counsel, Northwest Trustee & Managing Services LLC, 2012-14; senior counsel, Wright Finlay & Zak LLP, 2010-12; senior counsel, chief compliance officer, Reconstruct Company Inc./Countrywide Financial, 2003-10; assistant vice president, litigation counsel, North American Title Insurance Company, 2001-02; senior counsel, Bergeson Eliopoulos LLP (now Bergeson LLP), 2000-01; senior litigation counsel, WMC Mortgage Corp., 1998-2000; senior associate counsel, Glendale Federal Bank FSB, 1993-98; associate, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, 1991-92; associate, Brobeck Phleger & Harrison LLP, 1988-91
Law School: UC Davis School of Law, 1988
Career Highlights: Appointed Orange County Superior Court judge by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Oct. 5, 2023; of counsel, Bonial & Associates PC, 2020-23; sole practitioner, The Hicklin Firm, 2018-23; associate, Law Offices of Michelle Ghidotti (now GhidottiBerger), 2016-18; senior litigator, Buckley Madole PC, 2014-16; general counsel, Northwest Trustee & Managing Services LLC, 2012-14; senior counsel, Wright Finlay & Zak LLP, 2010-12; senior counsel, chief compliance officer, Reconstruct Company Inc./Countrywide Financial, 2003-10; assistant vice president, litigation counsel, North American Title Insurance Company, 2001-02; senior counsel, Bergeson Eliopoulos LLP (now Bergeson LLP), 2000-01; senior litigation counsel, WMC Mortgage Corp., 1998-2000; senior associate counsel, Glendale Federal Bank FSB, 1993-98; associate, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, 1991-92; associate, Brobeck Phleger & Harrison LLP, 1988-91
Law School: UC Davis School of Law, 1988
ORANGE - After 30 years litigating financial services cases, Superior Court Judge Stephen T. Hicklin has discovered a new arena for his preparation and problem-solving skills: family law.
"People who come to court are going through a crisis," he said. "They need guidance, and in fairness, they deserve a well-reasoned decision. That means I have to be prepared. I review case files the afternoon before hearings, do the necessary research, and come in with ... (continued)
