Judge Dean J. Kitchens: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 30

Appointed By: Gov. Gavin C. Newsom

Biography

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Clifford L. Klein (Ret.).

Prior to his appointment, Kitchens was a partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP since 1986. He first joined the firm as an associate in 1978 and served as general counsel before his partnership.

Kitchens received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1974. He went on to complete a J.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1978.

He was admitted to practice in California (1978); the California Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and the United States District Court for the Central, Eastern Northern, and Southern Districts of California.

Kitchens, who is registered as a Democrat, resided in Pasadena at the time of his appointment.

Recent Cases by Hon. Dean J. Kitchens

MICHAEL MARIN VS FCA US LLC

On February 18, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 18, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2026

S & H CONSTRUCTION BUILDER CORPORATION VS PORTRAIT CONSTRUCTION INC.

On February 18, 2026 a contract/warranty breach - seller plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 18, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Contract/Warranty Breach - Seller Plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2026

MARIA DEL ROSARIO PEREZ VS APOLO EMMAN RODRIGUEZ-GONZALEZ

On February 18, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 18, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2026

JOSEPH AGUSTIN GRANADOS VS GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Filed

Feb 18, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2026

MARGARET ELIZABETH CIPRIANO VS SERVICETITAN, INC., ET AL.

On February 17, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 17, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2026

MANUEL VILLANUEVA VS SUNRUN INC.

On February 13, 2026 a contract/warranty breach - seller plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Contract/Warranty Breach - Seller Plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 13, 2026

TERRY ANN THOMAS-AUSTIN, AN INDIVIDUAL, ET AL. VS CELIA D. KATZIR, CO-TRUSTEE OF THE CHAPIRSON FAMILY TRUST DATED NOVEMBER 9, 1989, ET AL.

On February 13, 2026 an other real property (not eminent domain, landlord/tenant, foreclosure) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Real Property (not eminent domain, landlord/tenant, foreclosure) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Foreclosure

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2026

CEDRIC HAWKINS VS ABM PARKING SERVICES, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, ET AL.

On February 13, 2026 an other personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 13, 2026

HAVILAH U TILLMON VS JESUS F SOTELO

On February 13, 2026 an other personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 17, 2026

AUDRA SKAATES VS CLARISSA ESGUERRA

On February 11, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 11, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 13, 2026

ALEJANDRA SANDEZ VS FCA US LLC

On February 11, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 11, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2026

VIJAY SHIVASWAMY VS TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION

On February 10, 2026 a contract/warranty breach - seller plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 10, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Contract/Warranty Breach - Seller Plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2026

RYAN PAUL HENRY HOBERG VS FORD MOTOR COMPANY

On February 10, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 10, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 10, 2026

ROBERTO ESCOTO, AN INDIVIDUAL VS MONTEBELLO SHOPPING CENTER, AN UNKNOWN ENTITY, ET AL.

On February 9, 2026 an intentional bodily injury/property damage/wrongful death (e.g., assault, battery, vandalism, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Intentional Bodily Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (e.g., assault, battery, vandalism, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 09, 2026

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N.A. VS TAISOO YOO

On February 9, 2026 a collections case - seller plaintiff (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collections Case - Seller Plaintiff (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2026

DOMINICK MARTIN VS PINNACLE HEALTH BRANDS, LLC, A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,

On February 9, 2026 an other commercial/business tort (not fraud/ breach of contract) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Commercial/Business Tort (not fraud/ breach of contract) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 10, 2026

TRISTEN PRATHER, AN INDIVIDUAL VS COMPUTROLS, INC., A LOUISIANA CORPORATION, ET AL.

On February 6, 2026 an other employment complaint case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

HANNA J MUAMAR VS GENERAL MOTORS LLC

On February 6, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. VS HELEN GRIFFIN, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE GRIFFIN FAMILY TRUST DATED OCTOBER 6, 1983

On February 6, 2026 a mortgage foreclosure (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Mortgage Foreclosure (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Foreclosure

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

EFRAIN MORALES JR., AN INDIVIDUAL, ET AL. VS COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, A PUBLIC ENTITY, ET AL.

On February 6, 2026 a civil rights/discrimination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Rights/Discrimination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2026

NICHOLAS THE SUNSHINE STATE HERNANDEZ VS TURO INC

On February 5, 2026 a petition to compel/confirm/vacate arbitration (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition to Compel/Confirm/Vacate Arbitration (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Arbitration

Matter Type

General Arbitration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

REYNA QUINONES SANDOVAL VS FLORDELIZA CRUZ CRUZ

On February 5, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 05, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 05, 2026

ZION MYACA K'LI SMITH VS GENERAL MOTORS LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

On February 4, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

OMAR HERRERA, AN INDIVIDUAL, ET AL. VS STATE OF CALIFORNIA, A PUBLIC ENTITY, ET AL.

On February 4, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Dean J. Kitchens presiding.

1 File

Filed

Feb 04, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Dean J. Kitchens

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2026

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About

Dean J. Kitchens
Current Appointment Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 30	Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 30
Education Bachelor's degree, University of California, Berkeley - 1974 J.D., University of California, Los Angeles School of Law - 1978	Bachelor's degree, University of California, Berkeley - 1974 J.D., University of California, Los Angeles School of Law - 1978

Documents related to Dean J. Kitchens

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Los Angeles County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (213) 633-0312

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	Los Angeles County Superior Court	Los Angeles County, California
Partner	Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP	None
General Counsel	Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP	None
Associate	Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP	None