Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

California 2nd District Court of Appeal, Department Division Two

Appointed By: Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt is presiding justice for the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Second Appellate District, Division Five[1]. Hoffstadt was nominated to the position by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30, 2024, and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments on November 25, 2024, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Presiding Justice Laurence D. Rubin[2][3].

His judicial service began on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, to which former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed him in 2010, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Bob T. Hight. On June 28, 2014, former Governor Jerry Brown appointed him as an associate justice in Division Two, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Kathryn Todd. On the trial bench, his assignments included criminal and civil calendars[1]. During his decade in Division Two, he authored more than 600 opinions, including more than 80 published decisions[1].

Educational background

Hoffstadt earned a B.A. in business administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in 1992[1]. At the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, he completed a J.D. in 1995 and graduated first in his class[1].

Career history

After graduating from law school, Hoffstadt began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Cynthia Holcomb Hall of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (1995 to 1996). He then clerked for the Hon. Sandra Day O'Connor of the United States Supreme Court (1996 to 1997).

Following those clerkships, Hoffstadt joined the Office of General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission as special counsel (1997 to 1998). He next served as senior counsel in the Office of Policy Development at the United States Department of Justice (1998 to 2000). After relocating to California in 2000, Hoffstadt joined the Office of the United States Attorney for the Central District of California as an assistant United States attorney. There, he investigated and tried criminal matters involving white-collar fraud, international extortion, computer hacking, and trademark infringement, and he later argued criminal appeals before the Ninth Circuit[1].

In 2007, Hoffstadt entered private practice as a partner in the Issues & Appeals Practice Group at Jones Day (2007 to 2010). From the firm's Los Angeles office, he handled complex civil motions, appeals, and writs in state and federal courts[1].

In academic settings, his teaching appointments have included USC Gould School of Law, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and The George Washington University Law School[4]. Since 2012, he has served on the faculty of the California Judicial College[1]. His professional service has included election to the American Law Institute in 2018 and work as an advisor on the Restatement (Third) of the Law of Torts: Defamation and Privacy[1]. He has also served on the board of directors of the Appellate Judges Education Institute, the board of governors of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, and the executive committee of the Appellate Judges Conference of the American Bar Association's Judicial Division[1]. In print, Hoffstadt coauthored Evidence Law: Practice, Problems, and Policy (2023) with Laurie Levenson and authored California Criminal Discovery, published in 2015 and 2020 editions[4].

Personal life

Raised in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, Hoffstadt is a third-generation Southern Californian. He attended public schools from kindergarten through law school[1].

Outside the courtroom, his wife has taught English at a public middle school.

Hoffstadt is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] California Courts — Biography of Justice Brian M. Hoffstadt
[2] Governor Newsom Announces Judicial Appointments 9.30.24
[3] Commission Confirms Appointments to Appellate Court in Los Angeles
[4] USC Gould School of Law — Brian Hoffstadt profile

Recent Cases by Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt

GREGORIO MORALES VS MIRNA YESENIA ESHAN SALINAS

On July 23, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 23, 2014

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 08, 2014

BEATRIZ VIDAL VS HUMBERTO MIRELES

On July 22, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 08, 2014

STEPHEN J YERSKEY VS CARLOS ZUNIGA

On July 22, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2014

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2023

GUSTAVO SALCEDO VS JESUS SANCHEZ

On July 22, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2014

Status

Filing Cancelled, 411.20 CCP on 08/08/2014

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 23, 2022

JAMES D HANSON VS CARLOS ZUNIGA

On July 22, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2014

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 13, 2023

ERICA NADINE MENDOZA VS JENNIFER MARIE BELCHER

On July 21, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 21, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 08, 2014

MELANIE MICHELLE NIETO VS LAURA HUNT

On July 18, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 18, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 08, 2014

RUBI TORRES VS JOSIE LOPEZ

On July 17, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Jul 17, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 08, 2014

JESSIE GARCIA VS JUSTIN WEATHERMON

On May 14, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 14, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

STEPHEN JOSEPH KOVATCH VS MARY VALJEAN ROSE

On May 13, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 13, 2014

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2023

OSCAR ANTONIO HERRERA VS GLORIA ALVAREZ

On May 13, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 13, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

TATIANA DESIREE TARIN VS GLORIA ALVAREZ

On May 13, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 13, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

AYOKA MORADO VS VERONICA ESCOBEDO

On May 13, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 13, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

LIZBETH CARBAJAL VS MARIA GUADALUPE RUIZ

On May 9, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 09, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

CAROLE GLASS VS RAY SCOTT ROBB

On May 9, 2014 a workplace harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 09, 2014

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Workplace Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Workplace Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 20, 2024

MARY HILL-WAGNER VS KRISTINE CARILLO

On May 9, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 09, 2014

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

LUCY COBOS VS DIEGO ABRIEGO

On May 8, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 08, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

LUIS ALBERTO QUINTEROS VS JESUS AYALA

On May 8, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 08, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

AMALIA RUIZ GARAY VS IRIS RING

On May 8, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 08, 2014

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

DAVID RAYMOND DAUER VS HEATHER LINDSEY

On May 8, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 08, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 20, 2014

GUILLERMO FRANCO VS JOSEPHINE MARIE FINCHER

On May 8, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

May 08, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2014

RYAN HICKEY VS ANTHONY GRECO

On March 5, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Mar 05, 2014

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 21, 2014

LEVIGILDA CRUZ VS LESLILE DE YOUNG

On March 5, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Mar 05, 2014

Status

Relief Denied

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2023

HERIBERTO MARTINEZ VS KOBE BRYANT

On March 4, 2014 a civil harassment (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brian M. Hoffstadt presiding.

Filed

Mar 04, 2014

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Brian M. Hoffstadt 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brian M. Hoffstadt

Court

Pomona Courthouse South

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Harassment (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 21, 2014

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About

Brian M. Hoffstadt
Current Appointment California 2nd District Court of Appeal, Department Division Two	California 2nd District Court of Appeal, Department Division Two
Previous Appointment Los Angeles County Superior Court	Los Angeles County Superior Court
Education J.D., University of California, Los Angeles School of Law B.A., California State Polytechnic at Pomona	J.D., University of California, Los Angeles School of Law B.A., California State Polytechnic at Pomona

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - California 2nd District Court of Appeal
Previous Court:	CA - Los Angeles County Superior Court California 2nd District Court of Appeal, Department Division Two
Clerk phone:	+1 (213) 830-7000

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Partner	Jones Day	None
Associate Justice	California Second District Court of Appeal	Los Angeles County, California
Judge	Superior Court of California	Los Angeles County, California
Assistant United States Attorney	Office of the United States Attorney for the Central District of California	None
Senior Counsel	United States Department of Justice	Washington, District of Columbia
Special Counsel	Office of General Counsel for the Federal Communications Commission	Washington, District of Columbia
Law Clerk	United States Supreme Court with the Hon. Sandra Day O'Connor	Washington, District of Columbia
Law Clerk	United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit with the Hon. Cynthia Holcomb Hall	None