"The Robing Room: CA State Judges

Hon. Jill C. Fannin	See Rating Details
Judge Superior Court
Contra Costa County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 2.5 - 24 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 1.0 - 26 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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General Rating Criteria

* Temperament		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness		(1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality		(1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Jill C. Fannin

Comments

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA55088
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Beware: Judges Fannin (misspelled as Fanin), Haight, and Hardie all retired soon after a recall effort. One earlier report indicated the recall initiative gathered sufficient signatures but it mysteriously seemed to fail to appear on the ballot. Possibly a deal was reached wherein for NOT being recalled (which they could have led to an expensive contest / process like that of Aaron Persky etc), all three stepped of the bench. BEWARE of them STILL deciding or influencing your case anyway. By retiring before the recall made the ballot, they keep their pensions. And they may now be eligible to serve as "substitute" judges in public courts or via JAMS mediators (Fannins father started JAMS). Unfortunately we may never know how good or bad they were aside from what we read online. Unlike Florida and other "red states" generally CA helps judges forbid cameras / video in court. This makes transparency and evaluations of judges even tougher than cops (who have to wear body cameras). Eventually CA voters may decide to require judges to work under public cameras / scrutiny too. Until then, buyer beware - retired judges can reappear.

Litigant

Comment #: CA46544
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This woman should be voted out of office...now. She is a danger to our society. There is nothing redeeming about her skill set. It does not exist.

Litigant

Comment #: CA38721
Rating:2.0

Comments:
When I initially met Judge Fannin I was hopeful. She seemed level-headed and soft spoken. But, OMG did that change at the next appearance. I've been before Fannin several times, and while I'm no psychologist, I have to admit she seems moody and very inconsistent. Her orders made no attempt to close loopholes (which were later exploited by the opposing party), she let us walk out without a signed FOAH (which the opposition used to their advantage to drag out the time spent apart from the children), she did not read the file, and she took out good and important provisions from the recommending mediator and then rubber stamped others without even bothering to consider the impact on the parents in trying to get cooperation from the other parent. Her orders were confusing and lacked enforcement or sanction provisions.

I've been in family court for 9 years as of this writing. I probably wouldn't be here still had Judge Fannin done her job. She actually said from the bench, "I've not read the file" What?!?!? It is absolutely abhorrent to then rule on a case that she had admitted out loud to not reading!

I am not one to generally call people rude, but Judge Fannin actually was. She barked at me from the bench - a behavior unbecoming a Judicial Officer.

I'm sure that this writing sounds like a litigant who didn't get their way, but she actually made some MINOR improvements albeit painfully SLOW to reunite the children with their family.

She often punted her rulings to the then recommending family court services department and simply rubber stamped what they said but didn't notice where there might be contradictions or confusion. I honestly thought I should excuse myself from the courtroom and tell her that I'd be back when she'd read the case file.

Were it not for Fannin's laziness, I am fairly certain that I would not be here 9 years and over half a million dollars later (not to mention the public resources wasted) still fighting.

Not the worst judge I've been in front of, but almost. Awful.

It's no wonder she was almost recalled.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA36769
Rating:9.9

Comments:
I found Judge Fannin an extraordinary trial court judge in a civil case. She's knowledgeable, tough, and fair to both sides equally. You would be hard pressed to find a better trial court judge if you're an attorney who appreciates a judge who works hard to make legally correct and accurate rulings.

Litigant

Comment #: CA28746
Rating:2.0

Comments:
I don't think my hearing was fair (civil suit).Judge seemed biased for the defendant from the beginning. She made a decision without really understanding what happened. She believed the defendant who lied on the stand over the witness who told the truth. A judge should have better judgment.

Litigant

Comment #: CA17456
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge has not enforced the judgement nor sanctions in this case. She has thwarted our legal attempt at garnishment and allows the defendants to give the middle finger to the entire judicial process.

Litigant

Comment #: CA15288
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge took a stand against an Appellate Court decision that reversed my case and she still stood by the misinformed Judge Treat and called me a "liar". What amazing nerve!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA14513
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is being recalled. Thank heaven and earth. This may make my job as counsel a bit easier.

Unfortunately, until this place sheds the various cancerous pieces of excrement on the bench, they’ll switch-a-roonie and in place of Judge Fannin you could be similarly cursed with another woman hating judge like Sugiyama or Weil.

I heard Weil might leave CoCo if he can score a seat at the Appellate Court. However, that would make me lose all faith in the appeals process, too. Especially since Weil’s clerk told another local attorney that Weil is connected at the Court of Appeals.

Any attorney practicing at CoCo Superior is in for career suicide with these judges.

Litigant

Comment #: CA14501
Rating:10.0

Comments:
She got that job because she is the daughter of a judge! And not because of her competency.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA14368
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Thrilled to hear of the recall on little Judge Jill.

This is great news for the community.

Jill has no regard for the public. She makes decisions based on dollars.

She has harmed many. Her destruction runs deep.

Other

Comment #: CA14366
Rating:10.0

Comments:
She did a fair job in my case, no issues.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA13452
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I'm shocked she is a judge

Other

Comment #: CA13450
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How is a judge like this allowed in the court system. I am also a victim of Fannin. She has zero integrity and I have no idea what her rulings are based on, her mood maybe? She is completely unfair and unlawful. I lost everything to in my opinion an unfit father. Why the hell is she still there?? There should be a class action lawsuit against her.

Litigant

Comment #: CA10481
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Sloppy, arrogant, disinterested in reading filings or surveying case facts. Seems to crack under pressure and operate from an emotional base. Dead wood on the county payroll - no attorney I've spoken with wants to appear before her because of her highly illogical rulings, strange side bar commentaries including inappropriate remarks about self represented litigants. Whiny, pedantic and burnt out.

Court Staff

Comment #: CA10155
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This woman should not be no where children and there sensitive cases

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA9858
Rating:1.8

Comments:
I must concur with others on this site that Fannin needs to be voted out. Such a travesty. The growing ocean of damaged children and families spurred by this woman is legion. Completely clueless yet lacks basic character.

Litigant

Comment #: CA9575
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Thrilled to see little Jill's rating down to 2.4. She has no business on the bench. Where is the oversight? She displays complete ignorance of any evidence or the law. Vote her out in the fall. Since an oversight committee will not look into her incompetence, let the voters speak.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA8903
Rating:1.0

Comments:
this horrid judge ruined my whole life
should be dismissed ...absolutely unfair to keep this magistrate in power

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA8576
Rating:1.5

Comments:
I urge all victims of this judge's "rulings" to let others know so she can be retired rather than re-elected in the next voting cycle. How many families have been destroyed? How many children placed in the dysfunctional home over the healthy one?? Read her reviews. Amazing she is as high as a 2.6 rating!!

Other

Comment #: CA7949
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She doesn't care she is incompetent. She doesn't care for the law, facts, evidence. She is what gives courts a black eye. Shameful if she gets re-elected. Let's work together to remove this fool before she injures more families and children.

Litigant

Comment #: CA7916
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I had the misfortune of having Judge Fannin preside over my child custody case. Judges like her are the reason the entire family court system is in its current state. She called my exhusband 's numerous arrests while drinking and driving stale and not relevant to my case. She did not order any drug and alcohol testing for him despite awarding him 50 percent custody and unrestricted driving privileges of minors. It will not be until someone in her family is hurt or killed by an impaired driver will she rule differently .

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA7779
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Jill, please call it quits and get lost. Please.....for the sake of humanity and all of the people that you have messed up with your rulings. Just say good bye. Try golf or knitting but stay out of the mediation forum.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA7383
Rating:1.3

Comments:
This judge was the worst judge in dealing with family matters. Her unfairness and only one sided was appauling. She did not put the children first!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA7348
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I have practiced law for 30 years. This is one of the worst judges I have seen - not actually the very worst, but close. She does not follow the law. Arrogant. Entitled. Inexperienced. Too young to have been appointed. Obviously used her awesome father's connections and abilities to launch her own judicial career. Very sad for all the children's lives in family law she has ruined.
Needs to go cover small claims and misdemeanors for another ten years and she might get it. I take no pleasure in these observations. Institutionalized point of view. No independence. Will stretch rules of evidence to cover herself. Apparently does not like being reversed. The courtroom is a game. Just not qualified overall. In a word: 170.6

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA6520
Rating:1.7

Comments:
Had absolutely no business in Family court. She made frivolous decisions and, as stated by numerous people here, evidence be damned. I will be working to remove her when she is up for re-election. A fool on the bench is a travesty. Cal should be embarrassed.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA6406
Rating:1.8

Comments:
It is unfortunate so many colleagues work to undo the damage this judge creates. Many litigants cannot afford going back to get remediation from Fannin's frivolous "decisions." Logic or knowledge of evidence is not her strong suit. She is a valid reason many in the public sector have such negative impressions of this judicial system.

Other

Comment #: CA6364
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I was used to my old judge. She wasn't pro mom or pro dad and I really felt she listened and did what she thought was in the best intrest of my children but Fannin did exactly the opposite!! I am a stay at home mom, exhusband had an open case with CPS and she still granted 50/50 custody even though he has a record of not showing. 2 years later i went back, he only showed up 5 days a month and she was still nasty to me and left it and asked why we were revisiting it? Because after 8 years he still cancelles all the time?!

Other

Comment #: CA6363
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She is rude, does not read the information given to her before making her decision. Her decision is made alreadu. She does not follow mediators recommendation. Wast of time.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA6317
Rating:2.1

Comments:
The good news is that Fannin is being pulled so future children and innocent litigants may actually be heard. Fannin does NOT READ briefs and ignores glaring evidence. The bad news is all the debris of lives she has impacted by her supercilious decisions. She screwed one family so well, the grandchild has been removed from the family trust. Way to go, Fannin!! And, I don't blame them for their decision,after seeing her destruction of this wonderful family.

Other

Comment #: CA6255
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Fannin precided over a divorce and custody. She was uninformed. Gave more custody to someone who tried to score cocaine in wc clubs over the other parent who submitted willingly to drug tests all of which were negative. Favored dysfunctional family while blocking other one for no reason. She shouldn't be in ANY courts but this demotion is a start.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA6162
Rating:3.4

Comments:
This judge is being removed from the Family Law division. There have been too many complaints. Even the Presiding Judge was tired of going to bat for her. Jill Fannin was the Presiding Judge for Family law division in Contra Costa. She is now being demoted to a Civil Trial Judge. She should not be on the bench considering the number of people she harms. Also, she has her favorites in Court. She has no problem ruling against those she considers unfavored. She is an embarrassment to the bench!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA6135
Rating:2.2

Comments:
Sided with a known sociopathic liar whose only "evidence" was a single facebook picture of a sporting event!! Completely ignored the defendant's well-documented evidence that supported our rebuttal. Foolish woman is over her head.

Other

Comment #: CA6098
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I have witnessed the shattered lives from this court. Why order drug/alcohol tests but then ignore the negative results because it didn't fit your preconceived agenda???? Ridiculous.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA6086
Rating:1.2

Comments:
Not the best draw. Evidence is dismissed. Facts do not matter. Suggesting someone oppose her in 2017. Obviously tired of her job but lives being destroyed in the interim.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA5906
Rating:1.8

Comments:
Shamful this woman has a degree from CAL. Guess she skipped Ethics 101. A friend knows her partner/spouse/hubby--whatever the latest euphemism. She complains a great deal about the workload/case monotony. This is reflected in her obvious lack of concern her incoherent rulings have on the lives of litigants and the CHILDREN.

Litigant

Comment #: CA5876
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge allows the politics of Family Court Services make her decisions for her, makes her mind up even before there is a hearing, disregards evidence, manipulates the case filings and dates and is just overall incompetent as a Judge. Basically a less than adequate attorney wearing a Judges Robe because of her political capital as her father apparently founded JAMS (Judicial Administrative Mediation Service). She truly destroys children's lives and futures.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA5812
Rating:2.3

Comments:
This judge has earned many of the negative comments herein. She shows favoritism towards some attorneys in spite of the evidence. I doubt she even glances at the evidence for that matter!
She comes across as sweet and friendly but has no intention of actually weighing evidence. Children are being damaged by her laziness.

Litigant

Comment #: CA5800
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I looked at all the previous reviews of this judge.
I concur with all of them. She has turned a simple divorce case into a 3 year nightmare. She has been arrogant, uninformed and ill-prepared. Not at all what one would expect from a judge, let alone a woman!

Litigant

Comment #: CA5786
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Fannin doesn't care about the children in these cases. Her goal is to do what is easy and move on without even considering the consequences of her actions. Her decisions were made before entering the court room and will not let evidence contrary to her predetermined decision be allowed to be presented for the record. Ive never been to the circus before.

Other

Comment #: CA5732
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This is the rating that was omitted below.

Other

Comment #: CA5730
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
By easily being duped in prior court proceedings, Fannin inadvertently has opened the door for the empowered mother and her attorney to unilaterally decide grandparents, aunt/uncles/ cousins (relatives of the child's father) may NOT attend any events like dance recitals, swimming lessons etc the poor child may begin doing. Thanks for not glancing at the evidence.

Court Staff

Comment #: CA5699
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Seeing both sides of documents presented, I must concur that this "judge" does not care about facts. That innocent lives are forever altered for the worse because of judicial laziness is heartbreaking. She should consider following Cram out the door or try to repair the damage done by her egocentric incomprehensible decisions.

Other

Comment #: CA5662
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I've had the unfortunate opportunity to be a plaintiff in Judge Fannin's court.She is a ridiculous example of a judge. She did not read my petition and refused to hear all of the truth and accuracies of my case. She allowed custody be given to a drunk and abuser DESPITE evidence and a recent arrest for battery and domestic violence. She cares not for anyone in her courts, let alone the children. She should be removed. My poor thoughts for any of you who have to sit in front of her. It's better to roll the dice than work with her.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA5652
Rating:3.0

Comments:
I observed a few hearings as support for a college buddy. I also read over docs/filings/texts. I can only conclude this judge chooses to not be informed about her cases. As I know both parties and this judge does NOT-----her erroneous rulings reflect poorly on her judgment and general preparation. Hard to believe she went to my alma mater. Destructive decisions contrary to presented evidence.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA5651
Rating:3.0

Other

Comment #: CA5639
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I attended a few court hearings with my wife, who was involved in school and custody disputes with her ex-husband. I have been a victim of a crime, as my son was murdered in 2010. The judge in my son's murder trial treated the defendant with more respect than this judge treated my wife. She was not prepared, had not read the pleadings thoroughly, and made "snarky" comments about both sides. She is not suited to be on the bench in my opinion.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA5610
Rating:2.8

Comments:
The welfare of the child is the last concern of this judge. Refuses a simple 50/50 custody despite serious psychological gaps in the mother. Father and his family punished by her illogical rulings. Sadly, on Fannin's own profile page, her pet peeve is re-visiting what she's already decided!!
Hello? Maybe your initial decisions are FLAWED!

Other

Comment #: CA5604
Rating:1.0

Comments:
A poor judge of details. Granted child daycare pickup by grandparents at 6:30 when facility closes at 6:00!! Duh!!! Judge prefers a dirty daycare for the child over loving family caregivers. Judge will not allow stable relatives to assist father by babysitting-financing extracurricular activities-etc. Father agreed to all stipulations/testing. Fannin never recognized who should have been tested---child is the final victim of judicial incompetence.

Other

Comment #: CA5532
Rating:3.0

Comments:
In my daughter' recent case where severe parental alienation was evidenced, Judge Fannin clear avoided removing the three children from the psychologically abusive parent and instead applied an adapted custody order reducing the role of the mother while increasing the hold of the abusive father. The status quo is damaging her children as each day passes. This is a painful travesty.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA5431
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Has her mind made up before reading DETAILS of documents. Favors the mother even with drug issues over a tested and clean father. Easily duped by lies. Just wants to clear docket with little regard to evidence.

Other

Comment #: CA5428
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Requests drug testing at $200 ea to disprove false accusations of other party--- all results negative--ignores all results! Drops a restraining order but allows accuser to interpret said order to still be in effect! Blows off an 11 day hiding of a child by parent as inconsequential! She is clueless to the family destruction she wreaks.

Other

Comment #: CA5081
Rating:3.0

Comments:
In following a divorce/custody case, it seems she is easily swayed by belligerent attorneys rather than evidence-photos-statements-police reports, etc. from the quieter opposing lawyer. Does not realize she is being played by an attorney who omits selective pages of subpoenaed documents. Signs off on documents without realizing the opposing attorney refused to accept the incorrectly written order and her rebuttal to said refusal was "omitted" from the judge's viewing!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA4799
Rating:8.1

Comments:
She cares and does a credible job. She is very hardworking.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA4726
Rating:4.7

Comments:
Judge Fannin has a complicated calendar. Many litigants appear pro per; some of the represented litigants have a sense of entitlement, and are surprised when Judge Fannin educates them otherwise. She's on an even keel.

Other

Comment #: CA4694
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She conveys a limited skill-set, and has an egocentric demeanor. She ignores evidence, and is fairly incompetent. She should be re-assessed or re-assigned, based on her lack of ability to perform.