Stockton, Calif. — In a historic move, Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Gurjit Singh Srai as the first Sikh American judge to the San Joaquin Superior Court, alongside Katy Jacot, marking a significant step towards diversifying the judiciary in the region.
Judge Srai, a practicing attorney since 2010, has a strong background in private practice. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Chapman University School of Law. Before his appointment, Srai operated as a sole practitioner and previously served as an associate at Scott Mitchell Law Inc.
Judge Katy Jacot, also appointed to the San Joaquin Superior Court, has been deeply involved with the local legal community. She served as a commissioner at the San Joaquin County Superior Court since 2023 and was a Deputy Public Defender from 2007 to 2022. Jacot received her Juris Doctor from the Santa Clara University School of Law.
"These appointments reflect the great diversity in our community," stated Presiding Judge Gus Barrera II. "Both are hardworking, dedicated, and have the temperament necessary to be great judicial officers."
The appointments come as Judge Srai fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robin C. Appel, and Judge Jacot fills that of Judge Richard Vlavianos. Jacot's interim appointment allows her to assume the position she was otherwise elected to begin in January 2025.
The formal swearing-in ceremonies for both judges have not yet been scheduled. Meanwhile, the San Joaquin Superior Court still has one judicial vacancy to fill, with a state Judicial Needs Assessment indicating the necessity for additional judgeships to meet the county’s growing needs.
