California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed attorney Chhaya Malik to serve as a judge on the Santa Clara County Superior Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Socrates P. Manoukian. Newsom announced the appointment on September 18, according to the Governor’s Office and the Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Malik brings more than two decades of experience spanning law, mediation, public policy and government service to the Santa Clara County bench. Since 2022, she has served as deputy director of dispute resolution at the California Civil Rights Department, where her work has focused on dispute-resolution matters.
Before joining the California Civil Rights Department, Malik worked as a mediator at Devi Legal Mediation Services from 2020 to 2022. She also served as special counsel at Ehrlich & Craig for a decade, from 2012 through 2022.
Her earlier professional experience includes federal public service. Malik worked as a policy liaison at the U.S. Department of State from 2011 to 2012 and previously served as a staff attorney at the Advancement Project from 2009 to 2011.
She began her legal career at Hogan Lovells, where she worked as an associate from 2005 to 2009. Malik earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede welcomed Malik’s appointment, pointing to her background in dispute resolution, civil rights, public policy and private legal practice. Emede said Malik’s experience would bring an additional perspective to the court as it serves residents of Santa Clara County.
Malik is one of two Superior Court judges appointed by Newsom in the September 18 announcement. The Governor’s Office said her appointment carries an annual compensation of $244,727.
The appointment adds another chapter to Malik’s career across government, law and dispute resolution. Her professional background includes work at state and federal agencies, private law firms and civil rights organizations before her move to the Santa Clara County Superior Court bench.
