Biographical Information
- Education:California State University, Sacramento (Bachelors of Science, Accounting)Santa Clara University (Law School)
- Pre-bench Legal Experience:20 years as civil litigator and mediatorMediator: The Congress of Neutrals and Shoker Law GroupPartner: Ladva, Shoker & Associates
Adjunct Professor: Chabot College
- Political Affiliation: Democrat
Judicial Experience
Pre-bench Civic & Professional Activities
Pro Tem Judge, Settlement Mentor, Discovery Facilitator
Chief Executive Officer and Mediator Trainer: The Congress of Neutrals
President: Contra Costa Bar Association, ADR Section
Civic & Professional Activities
Member: Robert McGrath Inns of Court
Typical weekly schedule
Monday, Wednesday and Friday Morning: Traffic Trials, Traffic Arraignments, and Small Claims
Monday and Tuesday Afternoon: Criminal Misdemeanor Arraignments
Tuesday and Thursday Morning: Traffic Trials, Traffic Arraignments, and Unlawful Detainers
Thursday Afternoons: Civil Harassments
Courtroom Policies
- Rules from bench except in small claims cases
- Zoom appearances allowed
- Strong preference for parties to engage in mediation prior to trial
Teleconferencing
Zoom and telephonic appearance upon written request
Motions
Normal briefing schedule for Unlawful Detainers. No tentative rulings. Attorney Fees must be noticed motion.
ADR
Congress of Neutrals mediators are available every morning and Thursday afternoons to offer free mediation services. Strong preference for mediation prior to hearings.
In Limine Motions
n/a
Voir Dire
n/a
Jury Instructions
n/a
Witnesses
Live witness testimony permitted but court will determine if witness testimony is duplicative and will limit witnesses in certain cases.
Sanctions
n/a
Documents
Exchange documents before hearing
Decorum
Demonstrate respect, courtesy, and patience to each other and to the court
Court Reporters & Translators
Electronic recording only
Translators, as needed
Language Line, as needed
Computers in the Courtroom
Allowed for presentations, displaying evidence
Audio-visual
n/a
Cameras in the Courtroom
Per local rules
Advice
Respect the process and the people involved
Come prepared and willing to mediate
Avoid interruptions
Professional and courteous behavior