Hon. Catherine A. Richardson

Prior to her appointment, Judge Richardson was a Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. In that position, she handled all aspects of complex cases within the General Civil Litigation section, including dangerous condition of public property, wrongful death and serious injury, Civil Rights violations, writs of mandamus, inverse condemnation actions, and appeals. She has tried numerous civil and criminal jury and bench trials, including more than 50 jury trials. In addition to the City Attorney’s Office, Ms. Richardson was in private practice for many years, handling plaintiff’s personal injury and medical negligence litigation as well as professional negligence defense. She handled all aspects of litigation from intake through trial, post-trial motions and appeals.

Judge Richardson also participates in a number of local and state bar organizations. She served as a past vice president and director of the San Diego County Bar Association, a past director on the San Diego County Bar Foundation and Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. She also served as a pro tem administrative law judge for the State of California, and an arbitrator for the San Diego County Bar Association Fee Arbitration Committee. She has been recognized as a Top Attorney by San Diego Magazine. In addition, Judge Richardson has been a Workshop Leader for the San Diego Inn of Court Evidence and Trial Practice Programs for more than 10 years. She served as President of the Inn in 2019 and currently serves on the Board.