Judge Pauline Maxwell: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Department Santa Barbara - 6

CA Bar #: 198086 (December 1998)

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

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Pauline Maxwell is a judge for the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in California[1]. Maxwell was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on December 12, 2014, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Denise de Bellefeuille[2].

Her assignments have included criminal, civil, family law, and probate calendars[1]. Earlier bench assignments included Drug Court, Mental Health Treatment Court, the Clean and Sober calendar, and minor-offense arraignments and trials. She served as assistant presiding judge from 2021 to 2022[3]. Maxwell then served as presiding judge from 2023 to 2024[1].

Educational background

Maxwell earned a B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of California, Santa Barbara[1]. At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law, she completed a J.D. in 1998. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1998).

Career history

Maxwell worked at Foley & Lardner (1997 to 2001), where she was a litigation associate in Century City. She then became in-house counsel at Tenet Healthcare (2001 to 2002). In 2002, Maxwell joined Grokenberger & Smith (2002 to 2006), in Santa Barbara, as a senior litigation associate. From 2006 to 2010, she worked as a research attorney for the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Alongside that role, Maxwell taught legal writing as an adjunct professor at the Santa Barbara College of Law (2007 to 2009). In 2010, she became a court commissioner for the Santa Barbara County Superior Court and held that position through 2014.

Her memberships included the William L. Gordon Inns of Court, where she served as a master, and Santa Barbara Women Lawyers, where she served on the board of directors[1]. In 2013, Santa Barbara Women Lawyers gave Maxwell the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award. She later received the Founding Mothers Award in 2015.

Personal life

Maxwell was born in Massachusetts and worked there as a registered nurse before moving to California in 1981[4]. Outside the courtroom, she was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Montecito Union School District in 1994 and was president of the board in 1997[4].

Maxwell is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] Santa Barbara County Superior Court — Pauline Maxwell
[2] Governor of California Press Release (December 12, 2014)
[3] Edhat — Judge Pauline Maxwell Elected Assistant Presiding Judge
[4] Noozhawk — Lavayen, Maxwell Named to Santa Barbara Court Bench

Recent Rulings by Hon. Pauline Maxwell

  • Jan 27, 2021 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion: Tax Costs; Motion:Order; Motions: Attorney Fees Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Sep 09, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion: Tax Costs; Motion: Strike; Motion: Attorney Fees; Motion: Relief from Untimely Filing Tentative Ruling: 1. The court grants, in part, defendants Adi Kazali, Santy Kazali, and Harry Kazali’s motion to tax costs. The court taxes costs totaling $7,911.84, leaving allowable costs...

  • Aug 12, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Demurrer and Motion to Strike; Case Management Conference Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Aug 12, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion to Tax Costs

    Tentative Ruling: The court grants, in part, defendants Adi Kazali, Santy Kazali, and Harry Kazali’s motion to tax costs. The court taxes costs totaling $7,911.84, leaving allowable costs of $20,385.46.

    Background: This is a wage and hour action by...

  • May 28, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion to Tax Costs

    TENTATIVE RULING: Plaintiff’s motion to tax defendant’s expert witness fees in the sum of $65,865.09 is granted. In all other respects, plaintiff’s motion to tax costs is denied.

    BACKGROUND:

    Plaintiff Harry Tran is a former tenant of reside...

  • May 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion: Set Aside and Vacate Judgment; Motion for New Trial/To Reopen Trial

    Tentative Ruling on Motion to Set Aside and Vacate Judgment: The court denies plaintiff Harry Tran’s motion to set aside judgment and entry of judgment after grant of CCP § 631.8 motion.

    Back...

  • Mar 18, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Demurrer TENTATIVE RULING: Defendant Edward Alan Edick’s demurrer to the complaint is overruled. Defendant shall file and serve his answer to the complaint on or before March 27, 2020. BACKGROUND: This action concerns residential property located at 917 Paseo Ferrelo, Santa Barbara, ...

  • Mar 18, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Default Prove-Up Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Mar 18, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Leave to Intervene

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Mar 18, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Quash Deposition Subpoena; Compel Attendance TENTATIVE RULING: The motion to quash the deposition subpoena to non-party Elizabeth Marshall is granted, in part. The terms and conditions of the deposition shall be limited as set forth herein. Defendant’s motion to compel Elizabeth Mars...

  • Mar 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Vacate Judgment; Order Charging Member's Interest

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Mar 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: OSC Re Contempt and Issue Sanctions Tentative Ruling: The court strikes the motion of defendants Eric A. Woosley and Law Office of Eric A. Woosley for an order to show cause, issue sanctions, and monetary sanction as untimely. Background: On May 5, 2017, plaintiff filed an action in ...

  • Mar 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Strike Unverified Answer TENTATIVE RULING: For the reasons set forth herein, the motion of plaintiff Strategic Funding Source, Inc., to strike the answer of defendant Efrain Lopez as unverified is granted with leave to amend. Defendant Lopez shall file and serve a verified answer to ...

  • Mar 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Change Venue TENTATIVE RULING: Plaintiff’s motion to change venue from Santa Barbara County to Ventura County is granted. Plaintiff shall pay all transfer costs. BACKGROUND: This is a credit card collection matter. Within the past four years, plaintiff American Express National Bank ...

  • Mar 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Dismiss for Failure to Bring to Trial Within 5 years

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Mar 11, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: (3) Demurrers

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: (4) Motions to Compel

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Transfer LA Action and Consolidate; Bifurcate Trial; Case Management Conference

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion for Entry of Default Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motion to Set Aside Default

    Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Motions to Withdraw as Counsel Tentative not yet posted, please check again.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Demurrer Demurrer off-calendar due to the filing of a First Amended Complaint.

    ...

  • Feb 26, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Leave to Intervene

    Tentative Ruling: The court denies movant Loya Casualty Insurance Company’s motion for leave to intervene.

    Background: Plaintiff State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company filed its complaint for subrogation against defendant John Sandoval. Plai...

  • Feb 19, 2020 Santa Barbara County

    Nature of Proceedings: Compel Further Responses TENTATIVE RULING: Defendant’s motion to compel is granted. Plaintiff shall provide further, verified, responses to defendant’s RFA No. 2 and FI No. 17.1. The further responses shall be served on or before February 26, 2020. BACKGROUND: In these consolidated a...

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Recent Cases by Hon. Pauline Maxwell

On September 29, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Sep 29, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 02, 2026

On September 11, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Sep 11, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 14, 2026

On August 27, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Aug 27, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 03, 2026

On August 12, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Aug 12, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 19, 2026

On July 30, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 30, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 01, 2026

On July 27, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 27, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 05, 2026

On July 27, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 27, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 05, 2026

On July 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 07, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 22, 2026

On July 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 07, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 22, 2026

On July 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 07, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 22, 2026

On July 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jul 07, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 22, 2026

On June 29, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jun 29, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 22, 2026

On June 17, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

Jun 17, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 24, 2026

On May 27, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

Filed

May 27, 2026

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 20, 2026

On July 24, 2023 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

1 File
Filed

Jul 24, 2023

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 13, 2026

On July 29, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

3 Files
Filed

Jul 29, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2025

On March 25, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Mar 25, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 2026

On March 25, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Mar 25, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 2026

On January 26, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Jan 26, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 2026

On January 26, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Jan 26, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 2026

On January 15, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Jan 15, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 2026

On January 14, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Jan 14, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 2026

On August 18, 2020 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

1 File
Filed

Aug 18, 2020

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 24, 2026

On March 18, 2020 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County. Judge Pauline Maxwell presiding.

2 Files
Filed

Mar 18, 2020

Status

Judgment

Judge

Hon. Pauline Maxwell Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pauline Maxwell

Court

Superior

County

Santa Barbara County, CA

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 29, 2025