Santa Clara County Superior Court Announces Oath of Office Ceremony for Kemi Mustapha

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. (October 3, 2025) :  Kemi Mustapha was sworn in as a Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, during an Oath of Office Ceremony on Friday, October 3, 2025, following her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Hon. Kemi Mustapha graduated from the University of Chicago in 2006 and earned her Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law in 2010. She joined Bay Area Legal Aid later that year as a volunteer attorney practicing Family Law. After working with the City and County of San Francisco as an Employee Relations Representative from 2011 to 2012, she returned to Bay Area Legal Aid as an Equal Justice Works Fellow. Since then, she has served at Bay Area Legal Aid as Staff Attorney, Senior Attorney, and Supervising Attorney, with periods as Interim Managing Attorney.

“It is a privilege to welcome Judge Mustapha to the bench,” said Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede. “Her thoughtful approach to the law and commitment to equity will be invaluable in advancing justice within our community.”

Judge Mustapha fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Maureen A. Folan. The Santa Clara County Superior Court congratulates Judge Mustapha on her appointment and looks forward to the perspective and dedication she brings to the bench.