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Oct. 16, 2026

Judge James Atkins brings a human approach to family law

After more than a decade handling family law cases, Commissioner James T. Atkins knows the limits of judicial intervention but remains committed to helping families navigate their most difficult conflicts.

Read more about James T. Atkins...
Judge James Atkins brings a human approach to family law

James T. Atkins

San Diego County Superior Court

Career Highlights: Appointed commissioner, San Diego County, 2009; plaintiffs' attorney, general civil litigation, Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, 1995-2009

Law School: California Western School of Law, 1995
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CHULA VISTA -- Superior Court Commissioner James T. Atkins sometimes looks out a window at San Diego's South Bay Courthouse and watches people cross a small bridge leading into the building. Most are headed somewhere they would rather not be, carrying disputes that have already disrupted their lives.

For Atkins, who has spent more than a decade overseeing a family law independent calendar, the sight is a reminder of what it means to appear in court.

"I ... (continued)

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