Veteran defender Smalling appointed to bench
Patrick J. Smalling, a veteran public defender, was recently appointed a San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Smalling was appointed to the bench on April 1, filling the vacancy created by the death of Judge Brett H. Morgan.
“I am pleased and truly thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of San Joaquin County as a Superior Court Judge,” Smalling said of the appointment. “In my 17 years working in this legal community, I have the great benefit of knowing how dedicated the court and the attorneys are at ensuring San Joaquin County has one of the state’s very best legal communities. I understand and accept the awesome responsibility of being a Superior Court Judge and guarantee I will dedicate myself to ensuring the various issues I preside over are competently and fairly considered.”
Smalling, 53, of Livermore, has served as an attorney in the San Joaquin County Public Defender’s Office since 2004. He currently serves as the assistant public defender.
In addition to handling his own felony trial caseload, he helps guide, manage and advise the attorney staff, the investigative staff and clerical staff in the office. In his career, he has handled thousands of criminal cases at all stages through trial. He was a volunteer deputy public defender at the San Francisco County Public Defender’s Office from 2003-2004.
Smalling was admitted to the California State Bar in December 2004. He earned a doctorate’s degree from the New College of California School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Hayward.
Smalling was elected to the San Joaquin County Attorney’s Association Board from 2008 to 2015. While on the board he was additionally assigned the role of cotreasurer. The San Joaquin
County Attorneys Association (SJCAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing San Joaquin County civil service attorneys in all labor issues, compensation/benefit matters, employment grievances, and in collective bargaining.
Presiding Judge Xapuri B. Villapudua praised Smalling for his work as a public defender.
“His experience and integrity make him well suited for the position of judge,” Villapududa said. “I have every confidence he will serve with fairness, a commitment to justice, and respect all who appear before him. We are excited to welcome him to the bench.”
Smalling’s formal and public swearing-in ceremony has yet to be scheduled.