Judge Cynthia A. Freeland: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

CA Bar #: 180276 (December 1995)

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

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland is a judge for the San Diego County Superior Court in California[1]. Freeland was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on December 23, 2016, filling the vacancy created by the conversion of a court commissioner position[2].

On the bench, Freeland's assignments have included family law matters and civil cases[3]. Her judicial service has also included membership on the Judicial Council of California's Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions[4]. In A.A. v. Newsom, a 2021 challenge to California's school reopening framework, Freeland issued a temporary restraining order after finding that the policy was not narrowly tailored and likely violated the equal protection clause of the California Constitution[5]. Later that year, in Let Them Breathe v. Newsom, she dismissed a suit challenging the state's school mask mandate, concluding that the governor acted within emergency authority and that courts had allowed schools to enforce public-health measures[6]. In 2024, in a civil harassment restraining-order proceeding brought by a Carlsbad city councilmember against social-media critics, Freeland dismissed the petition and awarded attorney fees on First Amendment grounds[7].

Educational background

Freeland earned a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. At the University of San Diego School of Law, she completed a J.D. in 1995. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1995).

Career history

After law school, Freeland served as a law clerk to A. Andrew Hauk at the United States District Court for the Central District of California (1995 to 1996)[3]. In 1996, she joined Baker & McKenzie LLP (1996 to 2007) as an associate and became a national partner in 2003[3]. She then practiced in San Diego County, California, as a named partner at Schor & Freeland LLP (2007 to 2016)[3]. Her practice there focused on employment law, including workplace counseling and the defense of wage-and-hour class actions[8].

Personal life

Outside the courtroom, Freeland participated in A View From the Bench, a panel co-sponsored by the San Diego Defense Lawyers and Consumer Attorneys of San Diego[9].

Freeland is registered as a Democrat[10].

References

[1] San Diego Superior Court — Judges F
[2] Governor of California Press Release (December 23, 2016)
[3] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile: Cynthia A. Freeland
[4] Judicial Council of California — Advisory Committee on Civil Jury Instructions Membership
[5] California School Boards Association Blog — San Diego Court TRO
[6] Los Angeles Times — San Diego County Judge Dismisses Let Them Breathe's School Mask Lawsuit
[7] Davis Vanguard — Controversial City Councilmember's Temporary Restraining Order Chills Political Speech on Social Media
[8] Schor Vogelzang & Chung — About
[9] San Diego Defense Lawyers — Spring 2023 Update
[10] Ballotpedia — Cynthia Freeland

Recent Rulings by Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland

  • Sep 09, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department. The court also continues the Case Management Conference, presently set for hearing on September 17, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department to be heard alongside the p...

  • Sep 09, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department.

    ...

  • Sep 09, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department.

    ...

  • Sep 09, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department. The court also continues the Case Management Conference, presently set for hearing on September 17, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department to be heard alongside the p...

  • Sep 09, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to September 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department.

    ...

  • Sep 02, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiff Luzaich Striping, Inc. dba LSI Road Markings ("Plaintiff")'s motion for leave to file a first amended complaint ("FAC") is granted.

    Defendant American Asphalt South, Inc. ("Defendant")'s objections to the Declaration of Robert M. Steele (the "Steele Declaration") are overruled.

    As...

  • Sep 02, 2021 San Diego County

    Katherine Lipel ("Movant")'s motion to be relieved as counsel for Plaintiff Mehrdad Sahafi ("Plaintiff") is granted.

    The court construes Plaintiff's lack of opposition as a concession of the motion's merits. In addition, Movant represents that a significant conflict of interest has arisen between P...

  • Sep 02, 2021 San Diego County

    Petitioner Cleveland Street Beach Lofts, LLC ("Petitioner")'s petition for reinstatement to active status (the "Petition") is granted.

    The uncontroverted evidence establishes that on March 1, 2021, Petitioner's accountant submitted a Certificate of Cancellation for Petitioner to the California Secr...

  • Sep 02, 2021 San Diego County

    Defendant City of Oceanside ("Defendant")'s demurrer to Plaintiffs Alissa Aguirre and Micah Aguirre (collectively, "Plaintiffs")'s Complaint is sustained.

    Defendant's request for judicial notice is granted.

    A demurrer tests the legal sufficiency of a pleading. See McKell v. Wash. Mut., Inc....

  • Sep 02, 2021 San Diego County

    Defendant Victor Varvel, as Trustee of the Varvel Family Trust dated November 3, 1993 ("Defendant")'s demurrer to Plaintiffs Inocencio Rivera, Jr. and Midori Rivera (collectively, "Plaintiffs")'s Complaint is overruled.

    Defendant's request for judicial notice is granted.

    A demurrer tests th...

  • Sep 02, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiffs Jose D. Martinez and Hector Manuel Ramirez Lopez (collectively, "Plaintiffs")'s motion to strike or tax costs on appeal is granted.

    The court construes Defendant Trademark Construction Company, Inc. dba J.M.W. Truss and Components ("Defendant")'s lack of opposition as a concession of the...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiff Cynthia Yung's ("Plaintiff") motion for trial setting preference is granted. California Court of Civil Procedure ("CCP") § 36(a) requires the court to grant preference to a litigant who is over 70 years old provided that: (1) he or she has a substantial interest in the action as a whole; and (2) ...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Defendant Maxlinear, Inc.'s Motion to Compel Arbitration and Stay Proceedings is granted. California Code of Civil Procedure § 1281.2 provides that, subject to various exceptions, "[o]n petition of a party to an arbitration agreement alleging the existence of a written agreement to arbitrate a controversy ...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Defendant Christina Marie Rondomanski's ("Defendant") motion to set aside entry of her default is granted.

    In relevant part, California Code of Civil Procedure ("CCP") § 473(b) provides that "[t]he court may, upon any terms as may be just, relieve a party . . . from a judgment, dismissal, order, or...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiff's Application for Right to Attach Order/Writ of Attachment is granted. Attachment is a prejudgment remedy that allows a creditor to secure a lien on the debtor's assets until there is a final adjudication of the claim. (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 484.010.) A right to attach order may issue if the cla...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiff Robin Wood's ("Plaintiff") Motion to Compel Further Responses to Request for Production, Set No. One is granted, in part, and denied in part.

    Initially, the Court notes that the Plaintiff's Reply, which was filed on August 23, 2021 was untimely. Notwithstanding this, the Court considers t...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiff Iris Olivares-Searcy's ("Plaintiff") Motion for Attorneys' Fees is granted. Plaintiff seeks prevailing party attorneys' fees and costs pursuant to California Civil Code § 1794(d) following a settlement with Kia Motors America, Inc. ("Defendant"). Section 1794(d) provides that a buyer who prevails...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    The court will hear the matter.

    Defendant Hacienda Santa Fe Property Owners' Association ("Defendant")'s motion to compel nonparty Jeffrey H. Gertsch's compliance with Defendant's deposition subpoena to produce improperly withheld non-privileged communications came on for hearing on August 6, 2021 ...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Crown Castle Solutions, LLC's ("Crown" or "Defendant") Motion to Strike Plaintiff Absolute Consulting Engineers, Inc.'s ("ACE") request for punitive and/or exemplary damages (namely Paragraphs 44 and 53 of the Complaint and number 6 in the Prayer) is granted, in part, with leave to amend as to Paragraph 44...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Plaintiff Gregory Iovino's ("Plaintiff") Motion to Move for New Trial Pursuant to CCP § 657 is denied. Plaintiff's Request for Judicial Notice is granted.

    Defendant JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA's ("Defendant" or "Chase") Request for Judicial Notice is granted pursuant to California Evidence Code section...

  • Aug 26, 2021 San Diego County

    Petitioner TJ Childs' ("Petitioner") Petition for Writ of Mandate is denied. A writ of mandate may issue "to compel the performance of an act which the law specifically enjoins, as a duty resulting from an office, trust or station." (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1085.) For a writ to issue, (1) the respondent mus...

  • Aug 19, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to August 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in this department.

    ...

  • Aug 19, 2021 San Diego County

    The court, on its own motion, continues this matter to August 23, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in this department. For purposes of the August 23, 2021 hearing, the court issues the following tentative ruling: Defendant Cleveland Street Beach Lofts, LLC ("Defendant")'s motion to remove Plaintiff Joe's Paving Company, ...

  • Aug 19, 2021 San Diego County

    On July 9, 2021, the court entertained oral arguments on Defendant/Cross-Complainant ML Mortgage Corp. ("ML")'s: (1) motion to compel further responses to Request for Production of Documents ("RFP"); (2) motion to compel further responses to Form Interrogatories (Sets One and Two) ("FI"); and (3) motion to...

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Recent Cases by Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland

On October 23, 2026 a personal injury - childhood sexual assault case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Personal Injury - Childhood Sexual Assault

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a personal injury - childhood sexual assault case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Personal Injury - Childhood Sexual Assault

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a personal injury - childhood sexual assault case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Personal Injury - Childhood Sexual Assault

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a personal injury - childhood sexual assault case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Personal Injury - Childhood Sexual Assault

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 16, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

On October 13, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

On October 13, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

On October 13, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cynthia A. Freeland presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Cynthia A. Freeland Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cynthia A. Freeland

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026