PARITY SEARCH: When Kathleen E. O’Leary was...

PARITY SEARCH: When Kathleen E. O’Leary was appointed Superior Court judge here nine years ago, she became its fourth female jurist. And how many women are on the Superior Court bench today? “Four out of 59, but who’s counting?” O’Leary says. . . . One bit of progress: O’Leary will be assistant presiding judge in 1996, which puts her in line to become presiding judge--a first for women here. O’Leary downplays that significance: “I think I’d also become the first Irish Catholic in the position too.”

BENCH IS FALLING? Presiding Judge James L. Smith wants not just more female judges, but more judges period. And more money to operate. Despite bulging caseloads as the county grows, the Superior Court hasn’t had a new judgeship since 1987--and doesn’t expect any soon. . . . “We’re 10% short of judges and $21 million short of money,” Smith says. County officials say the courts aren’t any worse off than other departments cut because of the bankruptcy. Nevertheless, Smith says, “If something isn’t done, we’ll have to shut our doors by early May. We just won’t have a choice.”

JUDGED GREAT: The most senior judge in the county? Superior Court Judge Everett W. Dickey, who this year became only the fourth judge here to reach 25 years on the bench. Despite some unpopular decisions, he’s highly regarded by most of his peers. “He’s the dean, the scholar, the one we all turn to,” Judge O’Leary says. . . . Dickey’s fellow judges and the Orange County Bar Assn. will pay tribute to him at a reception Thursday night at the bar headquarters in Santa Ana.

HAPPY PARTNERS: The Court of Appeal branch in Santa Ana now has five justices. But only three--Sheila Prell Sonenshine, Edward J. Wallin, and Thomas F. Crosby Jr. have sat together since it was created in 1982. Wallin insists all three continue to get along famously. . . . “We have philosophical differences, but it’s never personal,” Wallin says. They aren’t bored, either. Wallin adds: “Every month the calendar is just filled with fascinating issues. I don’t see any of us leaving here for a long time.”