Tricia A. Bigelow

Tricia A. Bigelow is a seasoned legal professional who was born in Long Beach, California. She has held several significant positions in the judicial system, including Presiding Justice and Associate Justice. In terms of her education, Bigelow earned her Bachelor's degree from California State University, Fullerton in 1982. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1986. She was admitted to the State Bar in December of the same year. Bigelow's judicial experience is extensive. She served as the Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division 8 from February 8, 2010, to June 30, 2021. This appointment was made by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Prior to this, she was an Associate Justice in the same court from June 4, 2008, to February 8, 2010, also appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Before her time in the Court of Appeal, Bigelow served as a Judge in the Los Angeles Superior Court from 1998 to 2008, a position she was elevated to by Governor Pete Wilson. She also served as a Judge in the Los Angeles Municipal Court from 1995 to 1998, appointed by the same governor. In addition to her judicial roles, Bigelow has also held other professional positions. She was the Dean of the Bernard E. Witkin Judicial College from 2006 to 2008. She also worked as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General for the State of California from 1989 to 1995, and as a Deputy Attorney General from 1986 to 1989. Bigelow's work has been recognized with several awards. In 2018, she was named Alumna of the Year by Pepperdine University School of Law. In 2015, she received the Bernard S. Jefferson Judicial Education Award from the California Judges Association. In 2014, she was honored with the Ronald M. George Award for Judicial Excellence by the California Judicial Council.