Timothy J. Schmal, 61, of Santa Cruz, has been appointed to a judgeship in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court. Schmal has been a sole practitioner since 2014. He was a partner at Burton, Schmal and DiBenedetto LLP from 2008 to 2014 and at Burton, Volkmann and Schmal LLP from 1997 to 2008.
Schmal was an instructor at the Santa Clara University School of Law from 1982 to 1983. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Heather D. Morse. Schmal is a Democrat.
“I am truly honored to receive this appointment from the Governor,” Timothy Schmal said. “I have been incredibly fortunate to have enjoyed a long, successful career as a civil trial attorney, but I am really looking forward to embarking on this new professional chapter. It will be a privilege to serve the people of Santa Cruz County. I’m really looking forward to working with the members of our exceptional bench, the fine Court staff, and the many excellent attorneys in our community who will be appearing before me.”
Presiding Judge Paul Burdick is happy to welcome Schmal.
“Tim Schmal is a highly experienced, respected and well regarded civil litigation attorney,” he said. “Outside of his legal practice he has served the Santa Cruz community for many years in a variety of volunteer capacities. He will be a great addition to our bench. We’re grateful to Governor Brown for this wise appointment and we look forward to adding him to the dedicated team of judges serving on the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.”