Cathey Named Valley Judge of the Year

Municipal Judge Juelann K. Cathey, who hears both criminal and family court cases, was named Judge of the Year by the San Fernando Valley Bar Assn.

The association’s board of trustees unanimously voted Friday to honor Cathey with the award this year, citing her 13 years on the bench, her rapport with attorneys and families who go before her, and her professionalism.

“She was selected because of her ability to handle essentially a double calendar, not only in an exemplary judicial fashion, but in a very human-like fashion,” said Leon Bennett, president of the bar association. “She has a down-home way of dealing with people, getting them to understand her ruling and why she’s ruling the way she is, instead of having a cold, callous attitude when handing them down.”

Cathey began her career on the bench in 1985 as a commissioner in San Fernando, moving in 1988 to an elected position with the Los Angeles Municipal Court and served as supervising judge of the San Fernando Court from 1990 to 1994.

She was assigned four years ago to the family law court of the Superior Court’s North Valley District, hearing child abuse and domestic violence cases referred from areas such as Lancaster, while still hearing criminal cases in Municipal Court.

The regional bar association has given the award since 1992 to judges presiding in the San Fernando Valley. Past recipients have included Los Angeles Superior Court Judges Alan Haber, Marvin Rowen, Meredith Taylor, Judith Ashmann, Bert Glennon and William MacLaughlin.

Bennett said the honor is reserved for judges who involve themselves with the community, with the bar association and who have superior judicial qualities, including being prepared for cases and a strong knowledge of the law.