Judge Dana K. Caudill: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Overview

The Hon. Dana K. Caudill is a judge for the Ventura County Superior Court in California[1]. Caudill was appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 29, 2024, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Manuel J. Covarrubias[2].

While on the bench, her assignments have included family law matters[1]. In 2026, Caudill imposed monetary sanctions against a party and counsel in a dissolution proceeding for conduct during a deposition[3].

Educational background

Caudill earned a B.A. in communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1989[4]. At the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, she completed a J.D. in 1993[4]. While in law school, she served as an editor of the University of the Pacific Law Review[4]. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (1993).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Caudill began her legal career at Matheny, Poidmore & Sears (1993 to 1994), in Sacramento[2]. There, she worked as a law clerk and associate attorney[4]. She then joined Porter, Scott, Weiberg & Delehant (1994 to 1996), also in Sacramento[2]. At that firm, she represented clients in insurance defense matters.

In 1996, Caudill moved to Farmers Insurance Company in Los Angeles as an attorney[2]. Over time, she served there as a trial attorney and supervising attorney. Alongside that work, she was a judge pro tem for the Ventura County Superior Court in small claims matters from 2007 to 2011[1]. In January 2024, she became managing attorney for the company's Los Angeles office[2].

Her professional memberships have included the Ventura County Bar Association, the Santa Barbara County Bar Association, the Jerome H. Berenson American Inns of Court, and the American Board of Trial Advocates' California Coast Chapter[4]. Within the American Board of Trial Advocates, she later served as president of the California Coast Chapter[4].

Personal life

Caudill has been married and has raised two children. Her recreational interests have included hiking, skiing in the mountains, and camping with her family.

Outside the courtroom, she has volunteered as a scorer for the Mock Trial program[4].

Caudill is registered as a Democrat[2].

References

[1] Ventura County Superior Court Press Release (February 26, 2024)
[2] Governor of California Press Release (January 29, 2024)
[3] Metropolitan News-Enterprise Article (January 26, 2026)
[4] Ventura County Bar Association — Citations (March 2024)