News Release
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Proudly Announces the Appointment of Three New Judges
SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (March 13, 2024): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vincent I. Parrett, Matthew W. Pritchard, and Elizabeth Manassau Sanada as judges in the Santa Clara County Superior Court, by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Vincent I. Parrett, hailing from Santa Clara County, brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as a Partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP since 2021. Prior to this, he held significant roles at Bergeson LLP and Motley Rice LLC. Parrett's career also includes service in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Patricia M. Lucas.
Matthew W. Pritchard, a resident of Alameda County, joins the Santa Clara County Superior Court with a diverse background, having served as a Senior Deputy City Attorney at the San Jose City Attorney’s Office. Pritchard's previous roles include positions at the Federal Defenders of San Diego and a clerkship at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He steps into the position left by the retirement of Judge Deborah A. Ryan.
Elizabeth Manassau Sanada, a dedicated professional from Santa Clara County, brings her expertise as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. Sanada's career includes tenure at the U.S. Social Security Administration and roles as an adjunct professor at various esteemed institutions. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Shelyna V. Brown.
"We are delighted to welcome Vincent I. Parrett, Matthew W. Pritchard, and Elizabeth Manassau Sanada to the Santa Clara County Superior Court," said Hon. Beth McGowen, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. "Their diverse backgrounds and extensive legal experience will be invaluable assets to our court system and the communities we serve."
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, extends its heartfelt congratulations to Vincent I. Parrett, Matthew W. Pritchard, and Elizabeth Manassau Sanada on their appointments as Judges. Their dedication to justice and service will undoubtedly enhance the judiciary in Santa Clara County.