Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

CA Bar #: 197618 (December 1998)

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

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Shama H. Mesiwala is an associate justice of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District[1]. Mesiwala was nominated to the court by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 23, 2022, and confirmed on February 14, 2023, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Coleman A. Blease[2][1].

Former Governor Jerry Brown appointed Mesiwala to the Sacramento County Superior Court in December 2017. Her assignments there included criminal and civil jury trials, civil law and motion, juvenile dependency, drug court, and mental health matters[3]. She created Northern California's first Indian Child Welfare Act courtroom[3]. Mesiwala also served as the Americans with Disabilities Act judge for the Sacramento County Superior Court Hall of Justice and ran the court's student externship program[3].

Educational background

Mesiwala earned a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego, in 1995, graduating magna cum laude in three years[4]. At the University of California, Davis School of Law (King Hall), she completed a J.D. in 1998[5]. She was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1998).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Mesiwala began her legal career as a staff attorney in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of California in 1999. Later that year, she joined the Central California Appellate Program, where she represented indigent criminal defendants until 2004 and argued cases before the California Supreme Court and California Courts of Appeal[6].

In 2004, Mesiwala joined the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, as a central staff attorney. She became a senior judicial attorney to Associate Justice Ronald B. Robie in 2006 and served in that capacity until 2017[2]. In February 2017, she was appointed as a court commissioner for the Sacramento County Superior Court[6].

Since 2013, Mesiwala has taught appellate advocacy as an adjunct professor of law at the University of California, Davis School of Law[5]. Through that course, she has taught more than 700 students[5].

Her professional activities have included co-founding the South Asian Bar Association of Sacramento and serving as its president from 2009 to 2011[7]. She also hosted the association's annual Diversity Law Student Reception for fifteen years[7]. In 2023, the California Supreme Court appointed Mesiwala to its Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions[8]. Her honors have included the President's Award from the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento in 2023[7].

Personal life

Born in Stanford, California, in 1974, Mesiwala was raised in Cupertino and graduated from Monta Vista High School in 1992[4]. Her father immigrated from Mumbai, India, in the 1960s[4].

Mesiwala is an Indian Muslim American. In Sacramento County, she was the first South Asian American appointed to a judicial position. Her confirmation to the California Court of Appeal made her the first South Asian and first Muslim American woman to serve on a California appellate court[1]. At the time of that appointment, she lived in Yolo County with her spouse of more than twenty years and their son[4].

Mesiwala is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] California Courts Newsroom — Commission Confirms Appointment to Third District Court of Appeal

[2] Governor of California Press Release (December 23, 2022)

[3] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile

[4] El Estoque — MVHS Alum ’92 Shama Hakim Mesiwala Appointed State Appellate Court Justice

[5] University of California, Davis School of Law — Visiting Faculty

[6] Davis Vanguard — Sacramento Judge, UC Davis Law School Grad and Professor Named to Third District Court of Appeal Would Be 1st South Asian/Muslim on Appeals Court

[7] University of California, Davis School of Law — Justice Shama Mesiwala ’98 Receives ABAS President’s Award

[8] California Judicial Ethics Opinions — Honorable Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Recent Cases by Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. vs QUARLES

On June 13, 2023 a limited civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

10 Files

Filed

Jun 13, 2023

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Superior

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Limited Civil

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

May 31, 2024

SANTORINI vs NANCY WEHNER, R.N., et al.

On May 15, 2023 an unlimited civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

14 Files

Filed

May 15, 2023

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Superior

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlimited Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Malpractice

Case Last Refreshed

May 31, 2024

Areli Jasmine Dominguez vs. Christian Cazares

On April 4, 2023 an unlimited civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Apr 04, 2023

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Superior

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlimited Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2024

Nicholas Calagna vs. Kevin M. Hengl

On March 14, 2023 an unlimited civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Mar 14, 2023

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Superior

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlimited Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 03, 2024

Nicholas A. Calagna vs. Don D. Dilbeck

On March 10, 2023 an unlimited civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Mar 10, 2023

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Superior

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlimited Civil

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 23, 2024

Maria Del Carmen Robledo Rios vs. Angel Garcia

On January 13, 2023 an unlimited civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Jan 13, 2023

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Superior

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Unlimited Civil

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 20, 2026

Geico General Insurance Company vs. Amex Assurance Company

On February 15, 2022 a petition re: arbitration award case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 15, 2022

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petition re: Arbitration Award

Practice Area

Arbitration

Matter Type

General Arbitration

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 19, 2022

Petition of Arial Lillian Shanita Pannell

On February 10, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 10, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Fnu Mohammad Saber

On February 9, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 09, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Megan Layla Allen

On February 8, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 08, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Riana Kalaihopeokauanui Mutabdzija

On February 8, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 08, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Faisal Waqar

On February 7, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 07, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of California Automobile Insurance Company

On February 4, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2022

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Fnu Razia

On February 4, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

In Re Emily Rose Vandeventer

On February 3, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

In Re Sean James Teimouri

On February 3, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Gwendolyn Nicole Tanner

On February 3, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 03, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Joshua Robert Newman-Defazio

On February 2, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

State Bar of California vs. Anthony David Urbano

On February 2, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 02, 2022

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Ashley Marie Chappell

On February 1, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 01, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

IN RE: Helena Guajardo

On February 1, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Feb 01, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Sarah Mickel

On January 31, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Jan 31, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Nasir Ahmad Ahmad

On January 31, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Jan 31, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

Petition of Janelle Sheree Flagg

On January 28, 2022 a petitions - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sacramento County. Judge Shama Hakim Mesiwala presiding.

Filed

Jan 28, 2022

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Shama Hakim Mesiwala 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court

Sacramento County

County

Sacramento County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petitions - Other

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 18, 2022

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About

Shama Hakim Mesiwala
Current Appointment Sacramento County Superior Court	Sacramento County Superior Court
Education J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law - 1998 B.A., University of California, San Diego - 1995	J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law - 1998 B.A., University of California, San Diego - 1995

Documents related to Shama Hakim Mesiwala

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Sacramento County Superior Court

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Court Commissioner	Sacramento County Superior Court	Sacramento County, California
Senior Judicial Attorney	Hon. Ronald B. Robie, California's Third District Court of Appeal	Sacramento County, California
Central Staff Attorney	Hon. Ronald B. Robie, California's Third District Court of Appeal	Sacramento County, California
Staff Attorney	Central California Appellate Program	Sacramento County, California
Staff Attorney	Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of California	Sacramento County, California