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Home News Los Angeles Wildfires Devastate Local Judiciary, Dozens Of Judges And Staff Lose Homes

Los Angeles Wildfires Devastate Local Judiciary, Dozens Of Judges And Staff Lose Homes

by Celia

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that have torn through parts of Los Angeles, at least 36 judges and court staff from both federal and state courts have lost their homes. These individuals are among the many affected by the raging fires that have destroyed over 12,000 homes and structures, forced the evacuation of up to 200,000 people, and caused at least 25 fatalities over the past nine days.

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Court officials have confirmed that nearly all courthouses in Los Angeles County have resumed operations after brief closures, with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ Pasadena courthouse remaining closed. However, officials are still assessing the extent of the damage to their personnel, many of whom have been displaced or have lost their homes.

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Rob Oftring, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Superior Court, said in a statement, “The court is actively evaluating the extent and magnitude of the firestorm’s impact on our court community.” At least 13 judicial officers and 12 staff members from the Superior Court have lost their homes, while others are still uncertain about the status of their properties.

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The federal courts have been similarly affected, with 11 employees, including five judges, losing their homes. Brian Karth, district court executive for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, confirmed that 43 employees, out of approximately 590, have been impacted by the fires through property loss or evacuations.

For those still able to work, the federal court is allowing telework, while those who have been severely affected can take time off. “Obviously, they are trying to put their lives back together,” Karth said, emphasizing the court’s support for its staff during this challenging time.

Both federal and state courts are offering remote appearances for attorneys and litigants during the crisis, and requests to delay proceedings are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles who have lost their homes are being supported by their colleagues, and the Justice Department is providing counseling and disaster relief resources.

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