Pinoy appointed in Los Angles court

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MANILA – A Filipino was sworn as the judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court last December 11.

Before his appointment to the high court, Rob Villeza became an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California for more than 20 years.

He is now one of the six judges appointed to the bench by Jerry Brown, governor of California.

“It’s a wonderful feeling but for me it’s not just an individual honor,” he said. “I really feel as if it’s a family honor, and…being appointed by the governor is truly a milestone event for us, so we’re very excited about it.”

Villeza is now among the list of Filipino Americans appointed on the LA Superior Court, according to Hildegarde Aguinaldo, president-elect of the Philippine American Bar Association.

Aguinaldo also added four of th appointees were appointed to the bench while most of it were made in 2008. said

“I say these numbers not to frighten, but to express how meaningful Rob’s appointment is to our community,” Aguinaldo said. “It means that students and attorneys have gained a role model who can encourage them to consider and pursue an avenue less traveled: judgeship.”

“I’m so happy for Rob to receive this appointment. It is very, very well deserved,” Fred Slaughter, judge of the Orange County Superior Court, said the ceremony. “But I’m even happier for the people of Los Angeles County, who are truly lucky to have Rob Villeza on the bench to serve the community.”