Local News in Brief : Judge to Get New Disability Review

The California Commission on Judicial Performance said Wednesday that it will reconsider its denial of a disability pension to Los Angeles Municipal Judge Maxine F. Thomas because of “substantial new medical reports” it has received.

The San Francisco-based agency said it turned down the request last month on grounds that Thomas, 41--who has not appeared in court since she suffered an emotional collapse in November, 1987--had not demonstrated that her disability was permanent.

A successful pension applicant is entitled to 65% of a judge’s salary for life.

Jack E. Frankel, the commission’s director and general counsel, refused to discuss the additional medical evidence, citing confidentiality requirements.

Thomas’ attorney, Johnnie L. Cochran Jr., said Thomas has spent nearly $50,000 on treatment, including several hospitalizations, and is “not going to be able to return to the bench or function as a judge.”