Court Update
Teresa Martinez to be Sworn in as Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge
Presiding Judge Patricia L. Kelly is honored to welcome the newest member of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, Teresa Martinez.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Governor Newsom appointed Teresa Martinez to the Santa Barbara Superior Court bench. Prior to joining the court, Teresa Martinez served as a Senior Deputy County Counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office since 2018. She was an Associate at Buynak, Fauver, Archbald & Spray LLP from 2017 to 2018. Martinez was a Solo Practitioner at Teresa Martinez Law from 2016 to 2017. She worked at California Rural Legal Assistance in various roles including Directing Attorney from 2013 to 2016 and staff attorney from 2012 to 2013. Martinez was a contract attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County from 2011 to 2012. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Cincinnati Collage of Law.
Upon learning of Judge Martinez’s appointment, Presiding Judge Kelly noted, “Judge Martinez will be an outstanding addition to the Santa Barbara Superior Court. Her tenure with County Counsel’s Office provides her with excellent experience in preparation for this new role. I join all my colleagues on the Santa Barbara Superior Court in welcoming her to this new chapter in her career. The community will be well served by this appointment.”
Martinez fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jean M. Dandona.
PDF found here.