Gavin Newsom selects deputy public defender to serve as new Merced Superior Court judge

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday several appointments of new superior court judges, including a new judge to the Merced County Superior Court.

Deputy Public Defender Stephanie L. Jamieson of Patterson, has worked in her current role at the Merced County Public Defender’s Office for the last eight years, according to an announcement from Newsom’s office.

At age 37, she will be one of the youngest judges to serve in Merced County history. Ten other judges or commissioners sit on the bench in the Merced County Superior Court, and there are currently three vacant seats.

“Although I am going to miss working with her, I am very happy for Stephanie and the people of Merced County,” said Vincent Andrade, public defender for Merced County. “With her intelligence, diligence and compassion, she is an excellent addition to Merced County Superior Court.”

She previously worked as a sole practitioner and independent contractor for the Law Offices of Victor Vertner after graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law.

A registered Democrat, she also earned a Master of Laws from California Western School of Law.

The annual compensation for superior court judges is $223,829.

This story will be updated.

This story was originally published November 29, 2021 at 3:19 PM.