Judge Kenneth J. Melikian: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Overview

The Hon. Kenneth J. Melikian (Ret.) was a judge for the El Dorado County Superior Court in California[1]. Melikian was appointed to the bench by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on March 26, 2009, filling a vacancy created by the conversion of a court commissioner position[2]. He retired on September 3, 2022[1].

While on the bench, Melikian's assignments included unlimited civil matters[3]. His criminal calendar also featured felony DUI cases and a murder trial that ended in a first-degree murder conviction[4][5].

Educational background

Melikian earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College. At the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, he completed a J.D. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1977).

Career history

After admission to the bar, Melikian began his legal career as a deputy district attorney in the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office in 1978. He remained there until 1988.

He then moved to the Fresno County District Attorney's Office, where he served as a deputy district attorney until 1991. In 1991, Melikian joined the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California as an assistant U.S. attorney, a position he held for eighteen years.

Personal life

Melikian is registered as a Republican[1].

References

[1] Ballotpedia — Kenneth J. Melikian
[2] Metropolitan News-Enterprise — Schwarzenegger Appoints Three to Judgeships
[3] El Dorado County Superior Court Local Rules PDF
[4] News13 Facebook post
[5] WSIL News 3 Facebook post