Contra Costa Court Offers Free Judge Speakers to Community Groups

Community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups in Alamo and across Contra Costa County can now invite a sitting Superior Court judge to speak at their meetings and events at no cost under a new countywide outreach initiative.

The Contra Costa County Superior Court announced the launch of its Judicial Community Engagement Program on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, in a release submitted to the Alamo Weekly newsroom by Court ADA and Communications Manager Dan Radovich. Led by Judge Terri Mockler, the nonpartisan educational program connects Contra Costa County judges directly with residents outside the courtroom to explain how local courts operate, how judges apply the law, and why jury service and judicial ethics matter in a democratic society.

“The daily business of the courts is rarely seen by members of the public unless they are called as jurors or have a case in court,” said Judge Terri Mockler, who leads the program. “Judges make decisions based on the evidence before them and the law that applies, and those details don’t always fit into a news headline. The goal of this program is to allow members of the community to meet and talk with judges about the work that we do every day.”

“The hope is that the public will walk away with a better understanding of the role of judges and the judiciary in a democratic society,” Mockler added. “This program gives residents the opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from the judges who serve them, and see the courts as part of their community.”

Advancing the Court’s 2027–2029 Strategic Plan

The speaker program directly supports the Contra Costa County Superior Court’s 2027–2029 Strategic Plan, which identifies Trusted Courts as one of five core strategic priorities alongside Access to Justice, Operational Excellence, Collaborative Leadership, and Workforce and Workplace Development.

Under the official 2027–2029 Strategic Plan, the court committed to expanding community outreach and public education on the role and purpose of the judiciary. By sending judges into local classrooms, service clubs, and community halls at no charge, the court aims to demystify courtroom procedures before residents ever receive a jury summons or appear in a legal proceeding.

How Alamo and San Ramon Valley Groups Can Use the Program

Unincorporated Alamo — including neighborhoods around Round Hill, Bryan Ranch, and Stone Valley — falls within the jurisdiction of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, which is headquartered in Martinez and operates branch courthouses across the county, including nearby Walnut Creek.

While the court’s announcement is countywide, the program is open to any local organization that brings residents together to learn, serve, or engage in Alamo civic life. According to the court’s program guidelines, eligible hosts include:

• Community and civic groups, including neighborhood, homeowner, and resident associations in Alamo, Round Hill, Bryan Ranch, and Stone Valley
• Leadership and service organizations, such as local rotary, philanthropic, and civic service clubs
• Educational and youth programs, including middle and high school civics classes, parent-teacher organizations, and youth leadership groups
• Nonprofit and public interest organizations serving San Ramon Valley and Contra Costa County residents
• Faith-based organizations hosting community education forums

Eligible Presentation Topics and Ethical Boundaries

Because sitting judges are bound by the California Code of Judicial Ethics, presentations focus strictly on general legal education and court administration. Organizations requesting a speaker may select from seven primary topic areas:

1. The role of the courts in the community and how the judicial branch functions locally
2. How cases move through the court system, from initial filing to disposition
3. The importance of jury service and how juror panels are summoned and selected
4. How judges reach the bench and the legal qualifications required to serve as a judge
5. Rules of judicial ethics and the state’s judicial discipline system
6. Preventing bias in courtroom proceedings
7. Judicial training and subject-matter specialties, including domestic violence, juvenile, family, criminal, and civil law

To preserve judicial impartiality, the court outlined three strict ethical restrictions for all speaking engagements:

• No discussion of pending cases: Judges cannot comment on or discuss any case currently pending in court.
• No comment on future disputes: Judges cannot address issues or controversies that may later come before the court.
• No individual legal advice or referrals: Judges cannot advise attendees on personal legal matters or provide attorney referrals.

How to Request a Judicial Speaker

There is no cost for an organization to invite a judge. Community groups and schools interested in scheduling a judicial speaker can review the court’s official Judicial Community Engagement Program page and submit a request by email to communityoutreach@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.

Each request must include the following six details:

1. Organization name
2. Primary contact’s name, phone number, and email address
3. Description of the event or meeting
4. Topic(s) the organization would like the judge to discuss
5. Expected number of attendees
6. Preferred date(s), time, and location

Media inquiries regarding the program may be directed to Dan Radovich, ADA and Communications Manager for the Contra Costa County Superior Court, at mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov.