Candidate for
Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 18

John C. Gutierrez has served as a Deputy District Attorney/prosecutor, private attorney, special counsel and State Administrative Law Judge. With more than 23 years of legal experience, including more than 13 years on the bench, Judge Gutierrez has handled thousands of cases in his courtroom.

Judge Gutierrez earned his B.A. in 1972 from the University of Texas in Austin, and his J.D. in 1978 from the University of San Fernando College of Law. As a law student, Judge Gutierrez participated in a legal aid clinic helping senior citizens and lower income families with issues such as social security benefits.

After obtaining his law degree, Judge Gutierrez began his legal career in the County of Los Angeles as a Deputy District Attorney where he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases. In 1984, he went into private practice and represented clients in both criminal and civil matters.

Judge Gutierrez specialized in Workers' Compensation cases and became the staff counsel for State Compensation Insurance Fund. He subsequently became house counsel for Industrial Indemnity Insurance Company. On May 3, 1993, he was appointed as a Workers' Compensation Administrative Judge. As a judge, he presided four years in Pomona, one year in San Bernardino and is currently assigned to the Van Nuys District.

Outside of the courtroom, Judge Gutierrez arranges events and fundraisers for "Women Advancing the Valley through Education, Economics and Empowerment," an organization that works to reduce domestic violence and protect victims. Judge Gutierrez is also passionately involved with the early intervention programs organized by "Communities in Schools of the San Fernando Valley." He participates in activities that provide guidance and encouragement to teens and helps prevent at-risk youths from taking part in gang activities.

Judge Gutierrez and his wife Rita live in the San Fernando Valley and have two children, Brian and Lauren.