Judge Brock T. Hammond: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department SMC - 407

Appointed By: Gov. Gavin C. Newsom

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Brock T. Hammond is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. Hammond was appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 18, 2023, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Dennis Landin[1].

On the bench, Hammond has presided over civil disputes[2]. In 2025, he ruled that two Black teachers could proceed in a single trial on harassment and discrimination claims against the Beverly Hills Unified School District[2]. Hammond also presided over a 2026 case in which a jury awarded more than $40 million to former farm owners on fraud, elder abuse, and labor claims arising from the sale of their business[3]. In another 2026 matter, he heard a construction worker's suit against Kanye West over unpaid wages and workplace-safety allegations related to work on a Malibu property[4]. That same year, Hammond conducted a bench trial on the amount of damages owed by musician Azealia Banks to her former manager after liability had been established for stalking, defamation, and civil extortion[5].

Educational background

Hammond earned a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, in 1998. At the University of California, Davis School of Law, he completed a J.D. in 2001. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (2001).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Hammond began his legal career as a deputy public defender with the Office of the Orange County Public Defender in 2002. In 2003, he transferred to the Office of the Los Angeles County Public Defender, where he served until 2005. Hammond then joined the Office of the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender as a deputy alternate public defender, a position he held until 2023.

Personal life

Hammond is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (August 18, 2023)
[2] Patch
[3] Daily Journal
[4] Santa Monica Mirror
[5] Rolling Stone

Recent Cases by Hon. Brock T. Hammond

On October 23, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a negligent breach of contract/warranty (no fraud) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Negligent Breach of Contract/Warranty (no fraud) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Negligent Breach

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a premise liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Premise Liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Premises Liability

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 21, 2026 an other complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a premise liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Premise Liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Premises Liability

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 20, 2026 an other non-personal injury/property damage/wrongful death tort (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Non-Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death Tort (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 19, 2026 an insurance coverage (not complex) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Insurance Coverage (not complex) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a premise liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Premise Liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Premises Liability

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 16, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

On October 16, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 15, 2026 an other complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a landlord-tenant habitability (e.g., bed bugs, mold, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Landlord-Tenant Habitability (e.g., bed bugs, mold, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Landlord-Tenant

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

On October 15, 2026 an other complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 14, 2026 an other promissory note/collections (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Promissory Note/Collections (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

On October 13, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Brock T. Hammond presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Brock T. Hammond Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Brock T. Hammond

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026