Santa Barbara County Superior Court judges have elected colleague Stephen Dunkle as the next assistant presiding judge for the term beginning Jan. 1. 

The unanimous vote took place at a countywide judges’ meeting on Monday.  

“Judge Dunkle is an outstanding choice to serve as our next Assistant Presiding Judge. He is conscientious, hardworking, collegial, and deeply committed to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism,” current Presiding Judge Patricia Kelly said.

“His sound judgment, excellent temperament, and ability to work collaboratively with his colleagues will serve our court extremely well. I am confident that he will do an exceptional job in this important leadership role, and I look forward to working with him in the coming year,” Kelly added.

Kelly’s stint as presiding judge will end Dec. 31 when Santa Barbara-based Judge Von Deroian, currently serving as assistant presiding judge, ascends to the top slot.

Typically, the court’s two top slots alternate between South Coast and North County judges every two years so each area has representation.

Dunkle, who will fill the assistant presiding judge role for 2027 and 2028, currently serves in a criminal court assignment in Santa Maria. He also spent time hearing cases in Lompoc.

He was appointed to the bench by Gov. Gavin Newsom in December 2023 after serving as a defense attorney.

Dunkle earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, and his bachelor’s degree from Pomona College.