Judge Steve Cochran: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 306

CA Bar #: 105541 (December 1982)

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

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Steve Cochran is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. Cochran was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on November 2, 2017, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. John L. Henning[1].

On the bench, his assignments have included a general civil calendar at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse[2]. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye temporarily assigned Cochran to sit on the California Supreme Court in October 2018 to decide a judicial-compensation petition after the sitting justices recused themselves[3]. Cochran granted Kim Kardashian's request to be declared legally single in March 2022 in dissolution proceedings involving Kanye West[2]. He presided over a conditional settlement in December 2024 in litigation brought by a prosecutor against Los Angeles County[4]. In 2025, Cochran ruled for the chief executive officer of Knitting Factory Entertainment in litigation over control of the Pappy & Harriet's venue in Pioneertown[5].

Educational background

Cochran earned a B.A. in psychology and sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1979. At the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, he completed a J.D. in 1982. While a law student, Cochran externed for Cecil F. Poole of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His admissions also included the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1982).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Cochran clerked for William P. Gray of the United States District Court for the Central District of California (1982 to 1983). He then joined the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California as a deputy federal public defender (1983 to 1987). Following that role, Cochran entered private practice as an associate at Wyman, Bautzer, Kuchel & Silbert (1987 to 1990). He became a partner there in 1990 and remained in that capacity until 1991. In 1991, he moved to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (1991 to 2017) as a partner. His work there included intellectual-property, trademark, and copyright litigation, alongside criminal defense matters involving mail fraud, money laundering, election fraud, and tax evasion. Those representations involved financial institutions, energy companies, and media and entertainment entities.

His memberships included the Central District of California Attorney Admission Fund Board, the Federal Pro Bono Civil Rights Panel, and the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Executive Committee. He also served on the Advisory Board for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit[6]. Later, Cochran joined the board of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society[7]. From 2004 to 2016, he was selected to Southern California Super Lawyers.

Personal life

Cochran grew up in an East Los Angeles barrio[6]. Outside the courtroom, his civic service included the Los Angeles South Valley Area Planning Commission.

Cochran is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (November 2, 2017)
[2] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile
[3] Horvitz & Levy — Six Newbie Superior Court Justices Temporarily Elevated to the Supreme Court
[4] Monday Morning Memo for December 9, 2024
[5] Pollstar — Knitting Factory Exec Wins 3-Year Legal Battle for Joshua Tree Outpost Pappy & Harriet's
[6] Daily Journal — Profile: Steve Cochran
[7] Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society Newsletter

Recent Cases by Hon. Steve Cochran

NOBERT OTIENO VS RICARDO RAMOS

On October 22, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

ROSINA ENRIQUEZ PONCE, ET AL. VS CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER

On October 22, 2026 an other personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

ADOLFO TRUJILLO VS LINDE, INC.

On October 21, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

STEPHANIE CANO VS GALPIN MOTORS, INC.

On October 21, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

SILVIA GARCIA VS WORLD WIDE METRIC, INC., A NEW JERSEY CORPORATION,

On October 21, 2026 a civil rights/discrimination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Civil Rights/Discrimination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

AUDRY GOMEZ VS CHRISTIAN SEAN D. BAYER, ET AL.

On October 21, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

NICOLAS STEELE, ET AL. VS SCD LOGISTICS INC., ET AL.

On October 21, 2026 an other commercial/business tort (not fraud/ breach of contract) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

Other Commercial/Business Tort (not fraud/ breach of contract) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

BUCHALTER LLP VS TAURO CAPITAL ADVISORS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, ET AL.

On October 20, 2026 an other civil petition (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Civil Petition (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

CARLOS ARAGON VS FCA US LLC

On October 20, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

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Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

THI NGOC-DUNG THAI, AN INDIVIDUAL VS EUI DO KIM, AN INDIVIDUAL

On October 19, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

ARMANDO FLORES CUEVAS VS LAURI JON CARAVELLA

On October 19, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

LVNV ASSISTANCE, LLC VS CERTAIN STATUTORILY DEFINED INTERESTED PARTIES

On October 19, 2026 an other civil petition (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Civil Petition (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

ALEPH DESIGN DEVELOPMENT LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,, ET AL. VS CHRIS NELSON & ASSOCIATES, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, ET AL.

On October 19, 2026 a contractual fraud (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Contractual Fraud (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Contractual Fraud

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

WILLIAM MIRANDA VS BEL-AIR COUNTRY CLUB

On October 16, 2026 an other employment complaint case (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint Case (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

NICHOLAS GEORGIOU VS ERICA ABIGAIL PEREZ PINEDA, ET AL.

On October 16, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

ISABEL ESTHER ZAVALA FUENTES VS AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO, INC.

On October 16, 2026 an other breach of contract/warranty (not fraud or negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

LUZ ADRIANA SAHAGUN VS EMMILYN JADE NGUYEN, ET AL.

On October 16, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

SVAP III PLAZA MEXICO, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY VS RICARDO VASCONEZ

On October 16, 2026 a breach of rental/lease contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Breach of Rental/Lease Contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

LA SETTLEMENT FUNDING, LLC VS CERTAIN STATUTORILY DEFINED INTERESTED PARTIES

On October 15, 2026 an other civil petition (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Civil Petition (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 15, 2026

AHMED FARUQI VS THOMAS EDWARD PHILLIPS

On October 15, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

KRISTEN STAVOLA VS SONJA Y. FOREMAN

On October 15, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 15, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

CHRISTINA SERRANO, ET AL. VS GENERAL MOTORS LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

On October 14, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

MARIA BONIFACIA GUTIERREZ GARCIA VS FCA US LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

On October 14, 2026 a contract/warranty breach - seller plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

CHRISTINA TURNER VS CYPRESS HCM INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION, ET AL.

On October 14, 2026 a wrongful termination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Steve Cochran presiding.

1 File

Filed

Oct 14, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Steve Cochran 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Steve Cochran

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Wrongful Termination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

Wrongful Termination

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 14, 2026

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About

Steve Cochran
Party Affiliation Democrat	Democrat
Current Appointment Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 306	Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 306
Election/Appointment 2018 - Re-election; 2024 - Re-election	2018 - Re-election; 2024 - Re-election
Education J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law - 1982 B.A., University of California, Santa Cruz - 1979	J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law - 1982 B.A., University of California, Santa Cruz - 1979

Documents related to Steve Cochran

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Los Angeles County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (213) 633-0516

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judicial Law Clerk	United States District Court for the Central District of California	None
Deputy Federal Public Defender	Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California	Los Angeles County, California
Associate	Wyman, Bautzer, Kuchel & Silbert	Los Angeles County, California
Partner	Wyman, Bautzer, Kuchel & Silbert	Los Angeles County, California
Partner	Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP	None
Judge	Superior Court of California	Los Angeles County, California