Judge Karin S. Schwartz: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

CA Bar #: 209455 (December 2000)

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

Biography

The Hon. Karin S. Schwartz is a judge for the Alameda County Superior Court in California. She was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown in 2019. She filled the vacancy created by the elevation of the Hon. Ioana Petrou to the Court of Appeal.


She is a registered Democrat.


Judge Schwartz graduated with her B.A. in mathematics from Bryn Mawr College in 1986. She went on to earn her J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1994.


After graduating from law school, Schwartz completed a clerkship with the Hon. Jack B. Weinstein with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. She then worked as an associate for Debevoise and Plimpton LLP from 1995 to 2000 and for Munger, Tolles, and Olson LLP from 2000 to 2003.


Schwartz left private practice in 2003 after she accepted a position with the California Department of Justice's Office of the Attorney General. During her ten-year tenure there, Schwartz held several positions including supervising deputy attorney general and acting senior assistant attorney general. During her time with the Department of Justice, Schwartz also served as a Supreme Court Fellow at the National Association of Attorneys General in 2007. Schwartz left the A.G.'s office in 2013 to serve as the deputy director and chief counsel for the California Department of Public Health. She would remain there until her appointment to the Superior Court in 2019.


While on the bench, Judge Schwartz has presided over a general civil calendar at the Hayward Hall of Justice.

Recent Cases by Hon. Karin S. Schwartz

On December 31, 2025 a civil unlimited (motor vehicle - personal inju...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Dec 31, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Motor Vehicle - Personal Inju...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 31, 2025

On December 12, 2025 a civil unlimited (other personal injury/propert...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Dec 12, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Personal Injury/Propert...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2025

On December 10, 2025 a civil unlimited (other real property (not emin...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Dec 10, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Real Property (not emin...)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

General Property

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 10, 2025

On November 20, 2025 a civil unlimited (other contract dispute (not b...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Nov 20, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Contract Dispute (not b...)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

On November 17, 2025 a civil unlimited (civil rights/discrimination) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Nov 17, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Civil Rights/Discrimination)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 17, 2025

On October 20, 2025 a civil unlimited (other personal injury/propert...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Personal Injury/Propert...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2025

On October 17, 2025 a civil unlimited (other real property (not emin...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Oct 17, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Real Property (not emin...)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

General Property

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 17, 2025

On October 8, 2025 a civil unlimited (other personal injury/propert...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Oct 08, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Personal Injury/Propert...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 08, 2025

On October 2, 2025 a civil unlimited (other personal injury/propert...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Oct 02, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Personal Injury/Propert...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 02, 2025

On September 18, 2025 a civil unlimited (motor vehicle - personal inju...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Sep 18, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Motor Vehicle - Personal Inju...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 18, 2025

On September 12, 2025 a civil unlimited (civil rights/discrimination) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Sep 12, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Civil Rights/Discrimination)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 12, 2025

On September 12, 2025 a civil unlimited (other civil petition) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Sep 12, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Civil Petition)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 18, 2025

On September 5, 2025 a civil unlimited (injunctive relief only (not d...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Sep 05, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Injunctive Relief Only (not d...)

Practice Area

Civil

Matter Type

Injunctive Action

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 05, 2025

On August 29, 2025 a civil unlimited (medical malpractice - physici...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Aug 29, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Medical Malpractice - Physici...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Malpractice

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2025

On August 28, 2025 a civil unlimited (other complaint (non-tort/non...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Aug 28, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Complaint (non-tort/non...)

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2025

On August 20, 2025 a civil unlimited (civil rights/discrimination) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Aug 20, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Civil Rights/Discrimination)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 20, 2025

On July 14, 2025 a civil unlimited (other civil petition) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jul 14, 2025

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Civil Petition)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 04, 2025

On June 25, 2025 a civil unlimited (other civil petition) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 25, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Civil Petition)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2025

On June 24, 2025 a civil unlimited (other civil petition) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 24, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Civil Petition)

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 19, 2025

On June 24, 2025 a civil unlimited (other personal injury/propert...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 24, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Personal Injury/Propert...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 14, 2025

On June 20, 2025 a civil unlimited (motor vehicle - personal inju...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 20, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Motor Vehicle - Personal Inju...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 21, 2025

On June 20, 2025 a civil unlimited (civil rights/discrimination) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 20, 2025

Status

Non-Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Civil Rights/Discrimination)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 21, 2025

On June 20, 2025 a civil unlimited (other personal injury/propert...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 20, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Other Personal Injury/Propert...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 26, 2025

On June 18, 2025 a civil unlimited (motor vehicle - personal inju...) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Alameda County. Judge Karin S. Schwartz presiding.

Filed

Jun 18, 2025

Judge

Hon. Karin S. Schwartz Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Karin S. Schwartz

Court

Superior Court of Alameda County

County

Alameda County, CA

Court Category

Civil Unlimited (Motor Vehicle - Personal Inju...)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 21, 2025