San Mateo Superior Court Bench Elects Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hon. Stephanie Garratt, Presiding Judge
Phone: 650 261-5109
San Mateo Superior Court Bench Elects Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge
Redwood City, CA - September 21, 2026 - The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo judges have elected their Presiding Judge and Assistant Presiding Judge for the years 2027 and 2028, effective January 1, 2027. The Honorable Rachel E. Holt was selected as the Presiding Judge, having served as Assistant Presiding Judge for the past two years. The Honorable Jeffrey R. Finigan was selected to serve as the Assistant Presiding Judge.
Judge Holt was appointed as a Court Commissioner of the San Mateo County Superior Court in December 2014 and was appointed to the bench on April 28, 2020. From 2020 to 2023, Judge Holt served as a Family Law Judge, followed by service as Family Law Supervising Judge from 2023 to 2024. In 2024, Judge Holt was selected to serve as Assistant Presiding Judge, a position held through 2026.
Prior to joining the bench, Judge Holt spent more than 15 years practicing law in San Mateo County. Judge Holt began her legal career with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, serving as a Deputy District Attorney from 1998 to 2002. From 2003 to 2014, Judge Holt served as a Private Defender Attorney with the San Mateo County Private Defender Program. During that time, Judge Holt was also a partner at Carr, Yeley and Associates, where she practiced from 2006 to 2014.
"Judge Holt has demonstrated throughout her career a strong commitment to justice and to serving the people of San Mateo County," said Presiding Judge Stephaie Garratt. "Her experience, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to the court will serve her well as Presiding Judge. I am very pleased to see her take on this important role and know she will do an excellent job."
Judge Finigan was appointed to the bench on July 16, 2015, and currently serves as a Trial Judge. His time on the bench has been split between criminal matters and an approximate 18-month civil assignment. He served as Criminal Presiding Judge in 2018 and Criminal Supervising Judge in 2023.
Before taking the bench, Judge Finigan served as a Deputy District Attorney in San Mateo County (1994–1999 and 2012–2015), a civil litigator in private practice (1999–2004), and an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California (2004–2011).
"Judge Finigan brings extensive legal and judicial experience, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to serving our court and community," said Presiding Judge Stephanie Garratt. "I am confident he will do an excellent job as Assistant Presiding Judge."
About the San Mateo County Superior Court
The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo is committed to providing equal access to justice, serving the community with integrity, and fostering public trust and confidence in the judicial system. Through education, outreach, and community engagement, the Court works to strengthen its connection with the people it serves.
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