Douglas E. Swager
Swager, Douglas Elmer, Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division One. Appointment/Election: Nominated (succeeding Judge William Newsom, retired) by Governor Wilson on September 29, 1995, confirmed by Commission on Judicial Appointments, oath taken in 1995, and elected in subsequent election. Other Judicial Office: Judge, Superior Court, Contra Costa, appointed (succeeding Judge Max Wilcox Jr., retired) by Governor Deukmejian November 5, 1987 (oath November 25, 1987), and elected in 1988 (unopposed). Presiding Judge, 1993 and 1994. Judge, Municipal Court, Bay Judicial District, Contra Costa County, December 2, 1985 (date of oath) to November 25, 1987, appointed (succeeding Judge George D. Carroll, retired) by Governor Deukmejian October 16, 1985. Past Employment: Private law practice, Richmond, California, 1973-85 (partner, Whiting, Rubenstein, Swager & Levy, 1981-85; and associate and partner, Watson & Hoffe [now Watson, Hoffe & Barbieri], 1973-81). Deputy District Attorney, Contra Costa County, 1970-73. Memberships/Awards: Member: California Judges Association, 1985-; and Board of Directors, West Contra Costa County YMCA, 1973-. Former member: Contra Costa Bar Association, 1973-85; Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association, 1981-85; and Richmond Rotary, 1979-86. Trustee: Spencer Scholarship Fund, 1978-85. Vice President: Richmond Chamber of Commerce, 1983-85. Education: J.D. (1969), Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, California; B.S. (1966, Business Administration), University of California, Berkeley. Personal: Born February 27, 1945, Richmond, California. Married. Three children. Interests: Enjoys fly fishing, boating, and photography. Admission: Admitted to California Bar, to the U.S. Court of Appeal, Ninth Circuit, and to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, January 15, 1970. Political Affiliation/Religion: Republican; Catholic. California Appellate Court Legacy Project – Interviewee Biography: Justice Douglas E. Swager 1 11/7. The biographies are copyrighted material owned by James Publishing (www.jamespublishing.com). We wish to thank the publisher for graciously allowing us to reproduce these copyrighted materials. Please note: Biography is current as of date of publication.