2025 American Inns of Court Ninth Circuit Professionalism Award Presented to Justice Patricia Bamattre-ManoukianSeptember 22, 2025
California Court of Appeal Justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian (Ret.) received the 2025 American Inns of Court Ninth Circuit Professionalism Award at the 2025 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference held July 21. She was an associate justice for the California Court of Appeal’s Sixth Appellate District from 1989 until her retirement earlier in 2025. Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Mary H. Murguia opened the presentation, noting, “This is such a special recognition in our circuit, and I’m delighted that it gives us an opportunity to recognize a lawyer or judicial officer’s superb professionalism, ethics, civility and overall legal excellence.” She then handed the podium over to Ninth Circuit Judge Consuelo M. Callahan, current president of the National American Inns of Court and a past recipient of the award, herself. “It is a special honor to be able to present this award to someone I have known for almost 35 years, the Honorable Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian, said Judge Callahan. “She has had an extraordinary career. Her many contributions extend well beyond the bench. She has served in numerous capacities to improve the legal system demonstrating her on-going dedication to the profession...I could not be prouder to present this award to Justice Manoukian.” “I am extremely honored, humbled and grateful for the nomination and I’m completely overwhelmed,” said Bamattre-Manoukian. “I would not be standing here before you today without the help of so many mentors of mine, so many judges, so many colleagues and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and consideration.” Bamattre-Manoukian began her career as a deputy district attorney in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, becoming one of the first women to prosecute homicides in that office. After just six years, she became a judge for the Orange County Municipal Court. In 1985, she was appointed to the Santa Clara County Municipal Court and was elevated to the Santa Clara County Superior Court. In 1989, the governor appointed her to her role as an associate justice of the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, making her the court’s first woman justice.* The American Inns of Court Professionalism Awards are bestowed annually in each circuit to lawyers or judges whose life and practice display sterling character and unquestioned integrity, coupled with ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law. *Information drawn from the American Inns of Court website. # # # |
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