Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin is a commissioner for the San Diego County Superior Court in California. She was appointed to the bench in 2004.

McLaughlin earned a B.A. in political science and public administration from Fordham University. She then completed a J.D. at Boston University School of Law.

After graduating from law school, McLaughlin began her legal career as a deputy public defender for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office in 1987. She served in that capacity until 1990, at which time she transferred to the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office. While in San Diego, McLaughlin rose through the ranks, becoming a Supervising Attorney (1995) and a Senior Trial Attorney (1996) for the Multiple Conflicts Office.

Then, in 2000, she became an Assistant United States Attorney with the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California. During her tenure there, she prosecuted complex narcotics, alien smuggling, and fraud cases.

Her memberships have included the Executive Board of the National Association of Women Judges.

She is a recipient of the Alba Witkin Humanitarian Award from the California Judges Association (2020) and the Service Award from the San Diego County Bar Association (2020).

Recent Cases by Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin

Martino, Katherinne vs Martino, Thomas Henry [IMAGED]

On January 15, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 15, 2026

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 16, 2026

Martinez, Rene Avila vs Lopez, Lisette [IMAGED]

On January 15, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Other Parent-Child

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 16, 2026

Kascak, Joseph vs Winston-Kascak, Sarah [IMAGED]

On January 15, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 16, 2026

Garcia Kegel, Luzaneth Belen vs Tam, Simon Courage [IMAGED]

On January 14, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 14, 2026

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 15, 2026

Robles, Dulce Sarahi vs Granados, Angel [IMAGED]

On January 14, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 15, 2026

King, Corey Allen vs Entler, Ericka Dawn [IMAGED]

On January 13, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 15, 2026

Vieria, Jorge Luiz vs Martinez, Jess Monique [IMAGED]

On January 13, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 14, 2026

Ramsahai, Joshua vs Huaman, Karen [IMAGED]

On January 13, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 13, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 13, 2026

Hunt, Darryl vs Stevens Hunt, Sandra [IMAGED]

On January 12, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 12, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 13, 2026

Espinoza, Susana vs Espinoza, Valentin [IMAGED]

On January 12, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 12, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 13, 2026

Garcia Magadan, Linda Christian vs Soto, Alfred [IMAGED]

On January 12, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 12, 2026

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 14, 2026

Morlett, Richard vs Castro, Jennifer Bel [IMAGED]

On January 9, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 10, 2026

Stark, Lori vs Stark, Douglas [IMAGED]

On January 9, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 12, 2026

Vargas, Paola Morales vs Soriano, Martimiano Mendez [IMAGED]

On January 9, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 09, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 10, 2026

Ford, Jonathan vs Renteria, Loren Ashley [IMAGED]

On January 8, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 08, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Other Parent-Child

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 10, 2026

Sorrells, Christopher vs Smith, Meghan [IMAGED]

On January 8, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 08, 2026

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 09, 2026

Singhal, Pankaj vs Singhal, Kamaljeet [IMAGED]

On January 8, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 08, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 09, 2026

Whitehead, Jonquil vs Whitehead, Trevor [IMAGED]

On January 8, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 08, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 09, 2026

Greidanus, Nancy vs Greidanus, Justen [IMAGED]

On January 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 07, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 08, 2026

Flood-Joyce, Caroline vs Joyce, Christopher [IMAGED]

On January 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 07, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 08, 2026

Romero Garza, Albert vs Chu, Lindsey Kim [IMAGED]

On January 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 07, 2026

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 08, 2026

Canabal, Marleny vs Celis Cabeza, Jose Gregorio [IMAGED]

On January 7, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 07, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 08, 2026

Thornton, Keith vs Thornton, Ingrid E [IMAGED]

On January 6, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 06, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 09, 2026

Henriquez, Joel vs Torne, Xioyaris [IMAGED]

On January 6, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin presiding.

Filed

Jan 06, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Pennie K. McLaughlin 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Pennie K. McLaughlin

Court

Superior

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 06, 2026

About

Pennie K. McLaughlin
Current Appointment San Diego County Superior Court	San Diego County Superior Court
Education J.D., Boston University School of Law B.A., Fordham University	J.D., Boston University School of Law B.A., Fordham University

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - San Diego County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (619) 844-2083

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Assistant United States Attorney	Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California	San Diego County, California
Senior Trial Attorney	Office of the Public Defender	San Diego County, California
Deputy Public Defender	Assistant United States Attorney	Los Angeles County, California
Commissioner	Superior Court of California	San Diego County, California