Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye
July 26, 2010
Los Angeles – The Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) of Los Angeles applauds the nomination of Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye as Chief Justice for the Supreme Court of the State of California. If confirmed and approved by voters, Justice Cantil-Sakauye will be the first Asian Pacific American chief justice for any state high court in the continental United States and the first Filipina to serve on a state high court. APABA thanks Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for nominating her.
“Justice Cantil-Sakauye is an excellent choice for our Supreme Court because she possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge as a former municipal court judge, superior court judge, and appellate court justice. As a member of the California Judicial Council, the policy-making arm of the courts, she also has the administrative and lobbying skills needed to run the entire court system as chief justice,” stated Bryant Yang, APABA Board member and co-Chair of the Public Appointments and Judicial Endorsement Committee. “Justice Cantil-Sakauye is a perfect pick and we are confident that she will not just meet, but exceed, everyone’s expectations.”
Since 2005, Justice Cantil Sakauye has served as Associate Justice for the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento. She previously was a Superior Court Judge for the Sacramento County Superior Court from 1997 to 2004 and a Municipal Court Judge for the Sacramento County Municipal Court from 1990 to 1997. Justice Cantil-Sakauye worked for the Office of Governor Deukmejian from 1988 to 1990. She was a deputy district attorney for the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office from 1984 to 1988. Cantil-Sakauye received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California
“Justice Cantil-Sakauye’s selection is an inspiration to all Americans, especially to those from working class families. She is the proud daughter of Filipino farm workers. While attending law school, she worked as a waitress and a blackjack dealer. From these humble beginnings, Justice Cantil-Sakauye has managed to reach one of the highest honors and positions in the legal field, through tenacity, hard-work, and intelligence. Truly, she has shattered a significant glass ceiling and is laying the path for so many others,” stated Karin Wang, President of APABA.
