We just learned of the sudden passing of Judge Judy Chirlin, who served on the AJS Program Committee and the AJS Planning for the Future of AJS and the Formation of State Chapters Committee. She also facilitated the presentation of the latter at the 2021 AJS National Conference.
AJS Chair Lawrence Okinaga said: “She was so much a part of AJS up to the time of her untimely passing. . . and she was as usual, an active and vocal leader and participant. She continued to help to this day in our effort to reinvigorate AJS. Those in our AJS community will miss her but will continue to evidence her presence in everything we do.”
Judge Chirlin served on the Los Angeles Superior Court from 1985 to 2009. Prior to her appointment, she practiced business and employment litigation and represented airlines in a variety of business matters. Upon her retirement from the Court, she became an arbitrator and mediator with Judicate West.
Judge Chirlin was also a law instructor at U.S.C. for 18 years through the Judicial Administration Program. Attorneys who have appeared before her over the years praise her judicial demeanor, intelligence and fairness. One attorney commented, “Judge Chirlin is one of the best judges in Los Angeles county. She truly believes that all litigants should be treated fairly, she was courteous and respectful to all parties and that’s how she always ran her courtroom”. Another attorney commented, she is flexible but firm in arbitration and is extremely prepared.” [Judicate West website]
She served on the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Board for over 30 years and also found time to serve on the boards of California Women Lawyers, the National Association of Women Judges, the International Association of Women Judges and the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative.
Throughout her years as a lawyer and on the bench, Judge Chirlin was involved in numerous efforts to improve the legal systems and the administration of justice in California as well as throughout the nation and around the world.