Judge Roderick Ward Shelton: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Roderick Ward Shelton is a judge for the Superior Court of San Diego County in California. He was elected to the bench in 2006.

Shelton earned a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992. He then received a J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1995.

He began his legal career as a deputy public defender with the Office of the Public Defender of San Diego County. Then, in 1999, he moved to the Office of the District Attorney of San Diego County. During his tenure there, he served as a deputy district attorney, where he worked in the Gang Prosecution Unit until his election to the bench.

He is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association (2001).

Shelton served as captain of the football team at Washington University. He has been a volunteer coach for a youth flag football team.

He is a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church as well as the Legal Ministry.