Kennard announces retirement from CA Supreme Court

Justice Joyce L. Kennard will retire from the California Supreme Court on April 5, which is 25 years to the day after she was appointed by Gov. George Deukmejian.

Joyce Kennard – AP photo

Following Kennard’s Feb. 11 announcement, a number of media outlets offered retrospectives on her fascinating life and groundbreaking career and began the speculation about whom Gov. Jerry Brown may appoint in her place.

The Los Angeles Times highlighted Kennard’s independent streak. The San Francisco Chronicle recounted her legacy of “significant rulings … and resounding dissents.”

The San Jose Mercury News wrote that Brown’s track record suggests he’ll be looking for “candidates with some intellectual firepower who might add diversity to the nation’s largest judiciary.”

The Recorder (subscription only) interviewed former staff members who talked about her “high level of engagement” and her love for language and details.

The Daily Journal (subscription only) quoted Kennard on her future plans saying “I will never be a rent-a-judge,” referring to the private mediator/arbitrator path that has become popular with retired judges.