Judge Thomas J. Rees: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Thomas J. Rees (Ret.) served as a commissioner for the Orange County Superior Court in California. He was appointed to the bench on April 1, 1997.

Rees earned a B.A. in political science from California State University, Long Beach in 1971. He then completed a J.D. at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1974.

After graduating from law school, Rees began his legal career as a sole practitioner in his own private practice. Then, in 1976, he joined the Law Office of George Poppe, where he worked as an associate for the next year.

In 1978, Rees joined the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the United States Air Force. During his tenure there, he served as Chief of Claims and Chief of Civil Law at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada as well as Assistant Chief of the Management and Analysis Branch at the United States Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Rees returned to civilian life in 1984. At that time, he joined the Orange County District Attorney’s Office as a deputy district attorney. He held assignments in the Juvenile Court and the Municipal Court as well as Writs and Appeals, the Felony Panel, and the Major Fraud Unit.

His memberships have included the California Judges Association and the California Court Commissioners Association.

He was born in Berkeley, California.