Superior Court Judges Elect Patricia L. Kelly as Assistant Presiding Judge

The Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara elected Judge Patricia L. Kelly as their incoming Assistant Presiding Judge for the term beginning January 1, 2023 and concluding December 31, 2024. The election took place at a Countywide Judges meeting conducted on Friday September 9, 2022.

Current Presiding Judge Gustavo E. Lavayen said, “Congratulations to Judge Kelly. She has experience serving in this role in the past, which has prepared her to tackle the leadership challenges she will face in the coming years.”

Judge Kelly was appointed to the bench by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2010. She currently presides over a criminal trial court in the North County Santa Maria Division. Judge Kelly previously served as Assistant Presiding Judge from 2015-2016 and as Presiding Judge from 2017-2018.

Judge Pauline Maxwell, currently serving as Assistant Presiding Judge, will begin her term as Presiding Judge on January 1, 2023 when Judge Kelly undertakes the position as Assistant Presiding Judge. Upon announcing Judge Kelly’s election, Judge Maxwell remarked, “I look forward to leading the Court in partnership with Judge Kelly as we emerge from the challenges presented by the pandemic.”