The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Proudly Announces the Appointment of New Judges

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (August 7, 2025) : The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new judges: Kemi Mustapha, Sarah Cook, and Mark Flanagan. These appointments are part of a broader announcement of judicial appointments made by Governor Gavin Newsom on August 7, 2025. The Court extends its sincere appreciation to Governor Newsom and Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Cespedes for continuing to support the administration of justice in Santa Clara County with these exceptional appointments.

Kemi Mustapha

Kemi Mustapha, of Santa Clara County, has worked as a Managing Attorney at Bay Area Legal Aid since 2024, where she has held several roles since 2012, including Supervising Attorney, Senior Attorney, Staff Attorney, and Fellow. She previously served as an Employee Relations Representative at the San Francisco Department of Human Resources from 2011 to 2012. Ms. Mustapha earned her Juris Doctor degree from Washington University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Maureen A. Folan.

Sarah Cook

Sarah Cook, of San Mateo County, has served as Director of Policy and Legal Services at Dependency Advocacy Center since 2023.  She previously held the roles of Corridor Managing Attorney from 2017 to 2023 and Staff Attorney from 2013 to 2017. Ms. Cook earned her Juris Doctor degree from Washington University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge L. Michael Clark.

Mark Flanagan

Mark Flanagan, of Santa Clara County, was a Partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr from 2006 to 2025. He previously served as a Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law from 2017 to 2019. His prior legal experience also includes serving as a Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati from 1998 to 2006 and as a Partner at Slenkovich & Flanagan from 1995 to 1998. From 1991 to 1995, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California. He began his legal career as an Associate at Thelen Marrin Johnson & Bridges from 1987 to 1991. Mr. Flanagan earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Arthur Bocanegra.