Judge Margaret Miller Bernal: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

CA Bar #: 111030 (December 1983)

Appointed By: Gov. Peter Barton Wilson

Biography

The Hon. Margaret Miller Bernal is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior in California. She was originally appointed to the Whittier Municipal Court by former Governor Pete Wilson on February 21, 1998. She filled the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Alfonso Hermo (Ret.). She was subsequently elevated to the Superior Court as a result of the court's unification in 2000.


Judge Miller Bernal received her B.A. from California State University, Long Beach in 1979. She went on to earn her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 1983.


Prior to her appointment to the Municipal Court, Miller Bernal had been appointed a court commissioner for the Whittier Municipal Court in 1992. At the time of her appointment as a court commissioner, she was practicing as a partner at the Whittier law firm of Miller, Bernal, and Angevine.


In 2007 Judge Miller Bernal was named Judicial Officer of the Year.

Recent Rulings by Hon. Margaret Miller Bernal

  • Nov 25, 2020 Los Angeles County

    CISNEROS v. TRACT 349, MUTUAL WATER COMPANY

    CASE NO.: 19STCV15807

    HEARING: 11/25/2020

    #2

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Defendant TRACT 349, MUTUAL WATER COMPANY’s Motion to Continue Trial is GRANTED.

    Moving Party to give Notice.

    Defendant TRACT 349, MUTUAL WATER CO...

  • Nov 20, 2020 Los Angeles County

    OREJEL v. CATALINA CARPET MILLS, LLC

    CASE NO.: 18NWCV00151

    HEARING: 11/20/2020

    Defendant’s unopposed Motion to Strike Plaintiff’s Demand for Jury Trial is DENIED.

    Plaintiff to give Notice.

    No Opposition filed as of November 19, 2020. Due by October 8, 2020. (See 09/1...

  • Oct 28, 2020 Los Angeles County

    Defendant’s unopposed Motion to Strike Plaintiff’s Demand for Jury Trial is DENIED.

    Plaintiff to give Notice.

    No Opposition filed as of October 26, 2020. Due by October 8, 2020. (See 09/11/2020, Min. Order.)

    The right to a jury trial in civil actions is guaranteed by the Constitutio...

  • Oct 08, 2020 Los Angeles County

    Defendant UNIVERSAL HERBAL CENTER, INC.’s Motion to Withdraw Stipulation to Commissioner is DENIED. C.R.C. Rule 2.816(e).

    Opposing Party to give Notice.

    On October 24, 2019, the parties stipulated to the appointment of Commissioner Paul Bruguera to preside over this case. Subsequently, on t...

  • Jul 08, 2020 Los Angeles County

    On March 2, 2020, this Court issued a ruling on Defendant WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC.’s Ex Parte Application to Transfer this Action to a Long Cause Courtroom. The Order states, “The parties are ORDERED to prepare the Long Cause Binders and submit them to Dept. 1.... Dept. 1 will rule if the case is appropr...

  • Jun 29, 2020 Los Angeles County

    Plaintiff Limtao’s motion for trial preference is GRANTED. The Clerk is ordered to set trial “not more than 120 days” from this date. (CCP 36(f).))

    Moving Party to give NOTICE.

    Plaintiff Limtao moves for a trial preference pursuant to CCP 36(a).

    A party to a civil action who is over...

  • Jun 25, 2020 Los Angeles County

    MOJARRO v. CITY OF WHITTIER

    CASE NO.: BC656449

    HEARING: 06/25/2020

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiffs’ motion for trial preference is CONTINUED to Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. SE-F.

    Defendant WEST COAST ARBORISTS, INC. to give Notice.

    On March 2, 202...

  • Dec 02, 2019 Los Angeles County

    SANCERI v. ANDERSON

    CASE NO.: VC066546

    HEARING: 12/2/19 in Department SE F-Master Calendar

    Calendar #2

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Defendant Anderson’s motion to continue trial is GRANTED.

    Moving Party to give NOTICE.

    Defendant Anderson moves to continue trial.

  • Oct 24, 2019 Los Angeles County

    ROMAN v. ALTA LOS ANGELES HOSPITALS, INC.

    CASE NO.: BC700387

    HEARING: 10/24/19

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Defendant ALTA LOS ANGELES HOSPITALS, INC.’s motion to Continue Trial and all Trial-Related Dates and all Discovery Cut-Off Dates is GRANTED. CRC 3.1332.

    Moving Party to gi...

  • Sep 20, 2019 Los Angeles County

    MCGOWAN v. MODA TRANSPORTATION, LLC

    CASE NO.: BC686776

    HEARING: 09/20/19

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff’s motion for trial preference is GRANTED. CCP §36.

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    CCP §36(c)(1) pertains to the time for filing a motion a motion for trial prefer...

  • Aug 26, 2019 Los Angeles County

    VILORIA v. TENET HEALTHCARE CORPORATION, et al.

    CASE NO.: 19NWCV00494

    HEARING: 8/26/19

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff George Viloria’s motion for trial preference pursuant to CCP 36 is GRANTED.

    Plaintiff George Viloria moves for trial preference pursuant to CCP 36(a).

    ...

  • Aug 23, 2019 Los Angeles County

    MCGOWAN v. MODA TRANSPORTATION, LLC

    CASE NO.: BC686776

    HEARING: 08/23/19

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff’s motion for trial preference is CONTINUED to Friday, September 20, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. in Dept. SE-F. CCP §36(c)(1).

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    “(a) A party to...

  • Apr 18, 2019 Los Angeles County

    #VC067310

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff Samuel Thomas’s request for an expedited trial date is GRANTED.

    Plaintiff Samuel Thomas moves for trial preference pursuant to CCP 36(a).

    CCP 36(a) provides that a party to a civil action who is over the age of 70 years may petition the co...

  • Dec 11, 2018 Los Angeles County

    ZAMORA v. PESCI

    CASE NO.: BC712571 HEARING: 12/11/18

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff LAURA ZAMORA’s motion for trial preference is GRANTED. CCP §36(e).

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    Plaintiff, LAURA ZAMOA moves for trial preference on the grounds that Defendant ROBERT A. PE...

  • Nov 16, 2018 Los Angeles County

    ZAMORA v. PESCI

    CASE NO.: BC712571

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff LAURA ZAMORA’s motion for trial preference is GRANTED. CCP §36(e).

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    Plaintiff, LAURA ZAMOA moves for trial preference on the grounds that Defendant ROBERT A. PESCI is over 70 yea...

  • Nov 06, 2018 Los Angeles County

    BURNSTEIN v. HARRIS

    CASE NO.: VC066386

    HEARING: 11/06/18

    TENTATIVE RULING

    Defendant/Cross-Complainant’s motion to continue the discovery cut-off date is GRANTED.

    Moving Party to give Notice.

    At the ex parte hearing on October 22, 2018, this Court granted Defe...

  • Sep 27, 2018 Los Angeles County

    LAGUNA v. TRIMMING LAND CO.

    CASE NO.: VC066346

    HEARING: 09/27/18

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiffs’ motion to enforce settlement is GRANTED. C.C.P. § 664.6.

    Moving Party to give Notice.

    No Opposition has been filed as of September 25, 2018.

    “If parties to pe...

  • Sep 27, 2018 Los Angeles County

    MONSESVAEZ v. KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITALS

    CASE NO.: BC691012

    HEARING: 09/27/18

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff’s Motion for Trial Preference is GRANTED. CCP § 36(b).

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    “(b) A civil action to recover damages for wrongful death or personal ...

  • Sep 11, 2018 Los Angeles County

    FELIX v. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNDERGROUND CONTRACTORS, INC.

    CASE NO.: BC668630

    HEARING: 09/11/18

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiff’s Motion for Trial Preference is GRANTED. CCP §§ 36(a).

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    “(a) A party to a civil action who is over 70 years ...

  • Sep 05, 2018 Los Angeles County

    ALLIED BUILDING PRODUCTS v. SOUTHWEST GROUP CA, INC., ET AL.

    CASE NO.: VC065560

    HEARING: 09/05/18

    TENTATIVE RULING

    Cross-Complainant’s motion to vacate dismissal is GRANTED. CCP § 473(b).

    Moving Party to give notice.

    Under section 473, subdivision (b), the Co...

  • Aug 02, 2018 Los Angeles County

    ALLIED BUILDING PRODUCTS v. SOUTHWEST GROUP CA, INC.

    CASE NO.: VC065560

    HEARING: 08/02/18

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Cross-Complainant JOHNSON ROOFING SERVICES’ motion to vacate dismissal is DENIED without prejudice. CCP § 473(b).

    Opposing Party to give notice.

    No Oppos...

  • May 16, 2018 Los Angeles County

    UZUN v. THE CALIFORNIA MEDICAL BOARD

    CASE NO.: VC065794

    HEARING: 05/16/18

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Defendants RACHEL LASOTA’s demurrer to Plaintiff’s Second Amended Complaint is SUSTAINED without leave to amend. CCP §430.10(e)

    Moving Party to give Notice.

    This civil r...

  • Apr 06, 2018 Los Angeles County

    SHEPHERD v. FOREST RIVER, INC.

    CASE NO.: VC066115

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    Plaintiffs DANIEL G. SHEPHERD and MARGIE P. SHEPHERD’s motion for trial preference is GRANTED. CCP §36(a).

    Moving Party to Give Notice.

    No Reply filed as of April 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (Due by April 4, ...

  • Mar 28, 2018 Los Angeles County

    OLID v. SYKES

    CASE NO.: VC066709

    HEARING: 03/28/18

    JUDGE: MARGARET M. BERNAL

    #1

    TENTATIVE ORDER

    KUSHNER CARLSON, PC’s motion to withdraw as counsel of record for Defendant GERRY LOU-ANN SYKES is GRANTED. (C.R.C. 3.1362.)

    Moving Party to give Notice.

  • Load More

Recent Cases by Hon. Margaret Miller Bernal

On December 29, 2022 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

7 Files
Filed

Dec 29, 2022

Status

Active

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 05, 2023

On December 28, 2022 an intentional conduct - sexual abuse case (in any form) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

12 Files
Filed

Dec 28, 2022

Status

Active

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Intentional Conduct - Sexual Abuse Case (in any form) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2023

On December 19, 2022 an intentional conduct - sexual abuse case (in any form) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

6 Files
Filed

Dec 19, 2022

Status

Active

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Intentional Conduct - Sexual Abuse Case (in any form) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2023

On December 14, 2022 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Dec 14, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 04, 2023

On December 12, 2022 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Dec 12, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 03, 2023

On December 8, 2022 an other breach of contract/warranty (not fraud or negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

10 Files
Filed

Dec 08, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Breach of Contract/Warranty (not fraud or negligence) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 28, 2023

On December 2, 2022 an other civil petition (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Dec 02, 2022

Status

Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Civil Petition (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

On December 1, 2022 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Dec 01, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2023

On November 22, 2022 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Nov 22, 2022

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 25, 2023

On November 21, 2022 a collections case - seller plaintiff (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

8 Files
Filed

Nov 21, 2022

Status

Active

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Collections Case - Seller Plaintiff (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 17, 2023

On November 8, 2022 an intentional conduct - sexual abuse case (in any form) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Nov 08, 2022

Status

Active

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Intentional Conduct - Sexual Abuse Case (in any form) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 03, 2023

On November 4, 2022 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Nov 04, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 12, 2023

On November 1, 2022 a personal injury/property damage/wrongful death - uninsured motorist (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Nov 01, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death - Uninsured Motorist (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 03, 2023

On October 31, 2022 a wrongful eviction case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Oct 31, 2022

Status

Active

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Wrongful Eviction Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Landlord-Tenant

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2023

On October 28, 2022 a civil rights/discrimination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Oct 28, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Civil Rights/Discrimination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2023

On October 27, 2022 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Oct 27, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 04, 2023

On October 14, 2022 an other promissory note/collections case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Promissory Note/Collections Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 12, 2023

On October 13, 2022 a contractual fraud (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

12 Files
Filed

Oct 13, 2022

Status

Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Contractual Fraud (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Contractual Fraud

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 06, 2023

On October 12, 2022 a personal injury/property damage/wrongful death - uninsured motorist (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Oct 12, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death - Uninsured Motorist (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2023

On September 30, 2022 a civil rights/discrimination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Sep 30, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Civil Rights/Discrimination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2023

On September 30, 2022 a collections case - seller plaintiff (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Sep 30, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Collections Case - Seller Plaintiff (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2023

On September 30, 2022 an other complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Sep 30, 2022

Status

Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

Other Complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 10, 2023

On September 28, 2022 a contract/warranty breach - seller plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Sep 28, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2023

On September 26, 2022 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Margaret Miller Bernal presiding.

Filed

Sep 26, 2022

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 11, 2023

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