San Mateo County Superior Court Judge nominated to federal bench

The Berkeley and Harvard-educated Freeman, 59, has sat on the bench in San Mateo County since 2001, serving as assistant presiding judge from 2009 and 2010 and presiding judge from 2011 to 2012. She also spent two years serving in family law. Prior to her appointment, she spent 18 years in the San Mateo County Counsel’s Office and worked at law firms between 1979 and 1983.

Freeman has presided over a variety of civil and criminal matters but may be best known in recent history for the criminal molestation trials of former child psychiatrist William Hamilton Ayres. As presiding judge, she offered explanations to county officials during debate over a new jail about how each judge offers their own consideration of cases which in turn create different outcomes. Freeman also presided over the local court during times of drastic state budget cuts that shuttered courtrooms, trimmed hours and staff and led to concerns about limiting access to justice.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein suggested Freeman for the judgeship.

Of all three nominees, Obama expressed confidence in his prepared statement that they “will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.” If confirmed to the lifetime post by the Senate, Freeman will replace San Jose U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel.

michelle@smdailyjournal.com

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