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Monika Saini Donabed appointed as Merced's first Indian American judge
Judge Donabed, appointed on Jan. 3, is the first Indian, South Asian, and Asian female judge in Merced County.
Monika Saini-Donabed / Facebook
The Merced County Superior Court has appointed Monika Saini Donabed to its bench on Jan. 3, marking a series of firsts for the county.
Judge Donabed is the first Indian, the first South Asian, and the first Asian female to serve as a judge in Merced County.
An official statement from the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, issued on Jan. 7, stated, “The Superior Court is pleased to welcome Judge Donabed to the bench. Her experience, knowledge, and demeanor will be a great asset to the court and the people of Merced County.”
Born to Indian immigrants in Livingston, California, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law.
She began her legal career as a deputy district attorney in Merced County from 2009 to 2014, then worked in a similar role in Stanislaus County from 2014 to 2016.
In 2016, she returned to Merced Superior Court as a staff attorney III, a position she held until her recent appointment to the bench.
Judge Donabed's election to the Superior Court in March 2024 was decisive, securing 63.32 percent of the vote in the primary, reflecting the community's confidence in her capabilities.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Hoffmeister Center in Merced, was presided over by Judge Brian McCabe.
In an Instagram post, The City of Merced shared, “The City of Merced welcomes Monika S. Donabed as Superior Court Judge. Judge Donabed was sworn in by Judge Brian McCabe on Jan 3rd.”
“Mayor Matt Serratto and City Council Members Darin DuPont, Mike Harris, and Sarah Boyle celebrated the Investiture Ceremony with Judge Donabed.”
Her appointment is seen as an inspiration for future generations in Merced County.
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