Commissioner Valencia for Judge

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                                                About the Candidate

 

I was born in Salem, Oregon in April of 1957.  I am the proud son of migrant farm workers.  I worked in the agricultural fields of the Central Valley along side my brothers and sisters until the age of eighteen, when I left home to attend college.

 

I graduated from San José State University in 1979, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice.  I received my Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1982.

 

I have been married for twenty one years to Irma Fernandez Valencia, who is a successful attorney practicing law in San Benito County with the Office of the County Counsel. Together we have two wonderful sons, Esteban and Emilio.

 

From 1986 to 2006, I ran a successful law practice in San Jose, California, as a solo practitioner with an emphasis on plaintiff’s personal injury, tort litigation and criminal defense. I handled hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases, including felony trials and complex civil litigation.

 

In January 2007 I was appointed to the Santa Clara County Superior Court bench as a Court Commissioner.  I am currently assigned to a Superior Court calendar handling misdemeanor arraignments, probation violations, and sentencing.  I also handle juvenile delinquency assignments.

 

Throughout my legal career I have worked to promote education, equal opportunities, and justice for all.  The following is a summary of the professional and civic activities I have participated in over the years.

 

Community & Public Service

 

§        City of San Jose Elections Commission: Vice Chair; member 2003 to 2006.

§         Judge Pro Tem: Small Claims & Traffic Court: March 2000 to 2006.

§         Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Charitable Foundation; member (Past president 2005-2006).   

§         San Jose State University Community Advisory Committee; member 2004.

§         San Jose State University, Adjunct Faculty Member, 2003 to 2006.

§         Santa Clara University School of Law, Board of Visitors; member 1995- 2006.                        

§         East San Jose Community Law Center Advisory Board; Chair & member 1996- 2002.

§         Santa Clara University School of Law, Law Alumni Board of Directors; member 1991-1996; (Past president 1994-1995).

§         Santa Clara University School of Law, Law Alumni La Raza Chapter, member, Co-founder and past president.                            

§         Santa Clara County Legal Aid Board of Directors, member 1993-1994.

§         Boy Scouts of America, Pack 213. Parent Leader & Treasurer, 2000-2004.

 

 

Professional Associations

 

§         Member of the California Judges Association; California Court Commissioners Association; Santa Clara County Superior Court Traffic Court Committee; Santa Clara County Superior Court Small Claims Court Committee; Santa Clara County Superior Court Community Outreach Committee.

§         Member of Santa Clara County Superior Court/Bench/Bar Media/Police Committee from 1995 to present. 

§         State Bar of California; member 1986-2006.

§         Santa Clara County Bar Association; member 1986-2006.

§         Santa Clara County Bar Association Board of Trustees; affiliate member 2004-2005.

§         Santa Clara County Bar Association Minority Access Committee; member 2003 to 2006.

§         Criminal Courts Defense Bar; member 1994-1996.

§         Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association; member 1986-present.

§         Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association; Past President, 2004 to 2005.

§         National Legal Aid & Defenders Association; member 1986-1998.

§         Santa Clara County Modest Means Panel; member 1986-1998.

§         Santa Clara County, Conflicts Administration Panel; member 1986-1998.

 

Honors

 

§         2001 recipient of the Unsung Hero Award presented by Santa Clara County Bar Association Minority Access Committee.

§         2000 recipient of  the Edwin J. Owens Lawyer of the Year Award presented by Santa Clara University School of Law,  for contributions to the legal community and the University. 

§         1999 recipient of the Community Commitment Award presented by Santa Clara University La Raza Law Students Association.

§         1994-1995 recipient of the Meritorious Service Award presented by Santa Clara University School of Law.   
 
Paid for by Committee to Elect Commissioner Valencia for Judge FPPC#1303844