Press Release: New Judicial Appointment

Monterey County Superior Court is pleased to announce that Lindsey Berg-James has been appointed as its newest judge. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Timothy Roberts. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment on August 24, 2026.

Berg-James is a Salinas native and has been practicing law since 2012. She has been a shareholder of Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss since 2021 and an associate with the firm since 2016. She previously practiced with Schiff Hardin in San Francisco from 2013-2015. Berg-James received her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley in 2007 and her Juris Doctor degree from University of California Law, San Francisco in 2012. Between undergraduate school and law school, Berg-James participated in the Teach for America program, teaching elementary school in Gilroy.

Berg-James stated, “I am deeply honored by Governor Newsom’s appointment to the Monterey County Superior Court, and I look forward to serving the community I grew up in and have spent my career practicing law in.”

Presiding Judge Rafael Vazquez stated, “I am delighted to congratulate Lindsey Berg-James on her appointment to the Monterey County Superior Court. This is a well-deserved recognition of an exceptionally talented attorney whose career has been marked by intellectual excellence, outstanding courtroom advocacy, professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Ms. Berg-James brings to the bench a remarkable combination of legal ability and practical courtroom experience. She has distinguished herself as a highly respected civil litigator, handling complex matters from the earliest stages of litigation through trial, while earning the respect of judges, colleagues, opposing counsel, clients, and court staff. We are fortunate to welcome Ms. Berg-James to the Monterey County Superior Court. Her talent, judgment, character, and commitment to the rule of law will profoundly benefit our Court, the people of Monterey County, and the California judicial branch. We look forward to working with her and witnessing the positive contribution she will make as she begins this important new chapter of service to our community.”

Lindsey Berg-James’s swearing-in date will be determined soon.