Hon. Irma E. Gonzalez (Ret.)

Following nearly three decades of service on the state and federal benches, Judge Gonzalez entered private practice in 2013. Her judicial career includes serving as the first Latina federal judge in the United States, appointed to the Southern District of California in 1992, where she later served as Chief Judge from 2005 to 2012. Before her federal appointment, she presided over matters in the San Diego County Superior Court and served as a United States Magistrate Judge. Her legal background also includes work as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and in private practice as a civil litigator.

A pioneer in the federal judiciary with extensive experience in high-stakes commercial and class action litigation.

She holds the historic distinction of being the first Latina appointed to the federal bench in the United States.

She is highly regarded for her meticulous preparation, judicial temperament, and ability to resolve complex, multi-party disputes through a persistent and fair approach.