These Two Judges Will Lead San Mateo County Courts

REDWOOD CITY, CA — San Mateo County Superior Court judges have selected the court's next presiding judge and assistant presiding judge, with both leaders set to begin their new roles in January.

Rachel E. Holt, who has served as assistant presiding judge for the past two years, was selected as presiding judge for 2027 and 2028.

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Jeffrey R. Finigan was selected to serve as assistant presiding judge.

The new leadership terms begin Jan. 1, 2027.

Holt was appointed to the San Mateo County Superior Court bench in April 2020 after serving as a court commissioner since 2014.

She previously served as a Family Law Judge and Family Law Supervising Judge. Before joining the bench, Holt spent more than 15 years practicing law in San Mateo County, including positions with the District Attorney's Office and the San Mateo County Private Defender Program.

"Judge Holt has demonstrated throughout her career a strong commitment to justice and to serving the people of San Mateo County," said Presiding Judge Stephanie Garratt. "Her experience, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to the court will serve her well as Presiding Judge."

Finigan was appointed to the bench in 2015 and currently serves as a trial judge. His judicial assignments have included criminal and civil matters. He previously served as Criminal Presiding Judge in 2018 and Criminal Supervising Judge in 2023.

Before becoming a judge, Finigan worked as a San Mateo County deputy district attorney, a civil litigator and an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California.

"Judge Finigan brings extensive legal and judicial experience, thoughtful leadership, and a strong commitment to serving our court and community," Garratt said. "I am confident he will do an excellent job as Assistant Presiding Judge."

The court said its mission includes providing equal access to justice, serving the community with integrity and fostering public trust in the judicial system.