Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

San Diego County Superior Court, Department C-72

CA Bar #: 201688 (June 1999)

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

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin is a judge for the San Diego County Superior Court in California. McLaughlin was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on February 27, 2018, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Edward P. Allard III[1].

Educational background

McLaughlin earned a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. At California Western School of Law, she completed a J.D. in 1998[1]. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (June 1999).

Career history

After law school, McLaughlin began her legal career as a deputy city attorney with the San Diego City Attorney's Office (1999 to 2004)[1]. McLaughlin then joined the San Diego County District Attorney's Office as a deputy district attorney in 2005 and served there until joining the bench[1]. In 2016, the office designated her as its ethics coordinator[1].

Before joining the bench, McLaughlin became the first Latina to serve as president of the San Diego County Bar Association. Her professional service also included a board position with the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association. In 2014, the American Bar Association appointed her to the National Conference of Bar Presidents Diversity Committee[2].

Personal life

Raised in San Jose, California, McLaughlin was one of six children and the daughter of Mexican immigrants[3]. She has said that growing up in a low-income community where crime was common informed her views on public safety[3].

Outside the courtroom, McLaughlin has mentored students at the University of California, San Diego, who were interested in law or criminal justice[4]. She has focused particularly on students from diverse backgrounds[4]. She described herself as a Latinx woman[3].

McLaughlin is registered as a Democrat[5].

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (February 27, 2018)
[2] California Western School of Law — Res Ipsa Online (Fall 2014)
[3] Celebrando Latinas Magazine — "Latinas in the Law, Changing the Face of Justice"
[4] University of California, San Diego — Careers and Graduate School
[5] Ballotpedia — Marcella McLaughlin

Recent Cases by Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin

Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc vs Tobias Jr

On October 22, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

Rojas vs Guard West Security Services

On October 22, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

Jones vs Downstream Services Inc

On October 21, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

Smith vs BHRC La Jolla PC

On October 21, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

Norman vs RG Investments Real Estate Services Inc

On October 21, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

Giombini vs Target Corporation

On October 20, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

Hatamitajik vs Four Brothers Real Estate LLC

On October 20, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

Pimentel vs Lyft Inc

On October 19, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

Cervantes Distributors Inc vs Hurtado

On October 16, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Economic Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

Harter vs City of San Diego

On October 16, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

Doe vs Doe 1

On October 16, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

Garcia vs City of San Diego

On October 16, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

Goularte vs Healthy Management LLC

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 17, 2026

Best California Gas LTD vs Timko

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 17, 2026

Synergy One Lending Inc vs Guidice

On October 15, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 17, 2026

Budd vs JNL Investments Corp

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Jackson vs Giffin

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Tapia vs Steele

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Flores vs Holland Partner Group LLC

On October 14, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

Lopez vs City of San Diego

On October 13, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

Cadles of West Virginia LLC vs Meir

On October 13, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2026

Status

Foreign,Sister-State Judgment

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

Freeman vs Hinson III

On October 12, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 12, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

Penuela vs Munoz

On October 9, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2026

Natividad vs Ford Motor Company

On October 9, 2026 a civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Marcella O. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Oct 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Marcella O. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 12, 2026

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About

Marcella O. McLaughlin
Current Appointment San Diego County Superior Court, Department C-72	San Diego County Superior Court, Department C-72
Education J.D., California Western School of Law B.A., University of California, San Diego	J.D., California Western School of Law B.A., University of California, San Diego

Documents related to Marcella O. McLaughlin

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - San Diego County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (619) 844-2062
Calendar Clerk:	+1 (619) 844-2973

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	Superior Court of California	San Diego County, California
Deputy District Attorney	Office of the District Attorney	San Diego County, California
Deputy City Attorney	Office of the City Attorney of San Diego	San Diego County, California