Press Release: New Judicial Appointment

The Monterey County Superior Court is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Leitzinger has been appointed as its newest judge. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Julie R. Culver. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment on June 2nd, 2026.

Elizabeth Leitzinger is from Monterey, California. She has been a Shareholder at Fenton & Keller since 2016. She was an Associate at Fenton & Keller from 2012 to 2016 and at Goldstein & Associates from 2008 to 2012. Leitzinger received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Elizabeth Leitzinger stated, “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Monterey County bench. I was born and raised in this community and have had the privilege of practicing here for most of my career. I look forward to serving the County as a judicial officer and working alongside the exceptional judges, court staff, and attorneys of our County.”

Presiding Judge Rafael Vazquez stated, “It is with great pride that we welcome Elizabeth Leitzinger to the Monterey County Superior Court. A lifelong member of this community, she has earned widespread respect through her distinguished career in civil litigation, marked by professionalism, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to fairness and the rule of law. Her strong ties to the County where she was born, raised, and has long served provide valuable insight into the people and communities our court serves. We are honored to welcome Elizabeth Leitzinger to the bench, and we are confident she will serve with integrity, humility, compassion, and distinction. We look forward to her many contributions in the years ahead.”

Elizabeth Leitzinger will be sworn in as a Judge later this summer.