Senator Laura Richardson Receives Inaugural Advocate for Justice Award from the Los Angeles Superior Court
Los Angeles, California (November 5, 2026) – State Senator Laura Richardson (D-South Bay) was among three legislators honored with the inaugural Advocate for Justice Award by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Senator Richardson is the first State Senator to receive this prestigious recognition, which was presented by Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II and Presiding Judge-Elect Ricardo Ocampo during a ceremony held on November 4, 2026, at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
The Advocate for Justice Award recognizes outstanding leadership and significant contributions toward expanding access to justice for residents throughout Los Angeles County.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from such esteemed members of our judicial system, who work every day to ensure equitable access to justice for all,” said Senator Richardson. “Being selected as the first State Senator to receive this award is especially meaningful and reinforces my commitment to supporting a court system that is accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of the public.”
“Justice is never an abstraction. [Senator Richardson] has walked the halls of courthouses in her district and seen what too many overlook: the self-represented litigant seeking guidance, the family waiting anxiously for its day in court, the community that deserves a courthouse worthy of its trust,” said Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II.. “Her leadership in securing a historic investment in California’s courts honors the constitutional promise of equal access to justice. Because of her, the people of Los Angeles County will be better served for years to come.”
As Chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5, which oversees funding for California’s judicial branch, Senator Richardson has championed investments that strengthen court operations and help ensure that courts can deliver accessible, equitable, and effective services to Californians.
On October 21, 2026, Senator Richardson convened a hearing in her district with judges from across California to examine courthouse infrastructure and modernization needs. The discussion focused on renovation projects, facility upgrades, and long-term investments necessary to improve public access to justice and enhance the court experience for communities across the state.
“Achieving this goal requires sustained investment in modernizing courtrooms and court facilities, enhancing safety and security measures, expanding the use of innovative technologies, and supporting a workforce that serves the public with professionalism, understanding, and compassion,” Senator Richardson added.
The Los Angeles Superior Court is the largest unified trial court system in the United States, operating more than 600 courtrooms in 36 courthouses across 12 judicial districts. The court handles approximately 2.7 million new filings annually, including traffic, criminal, family law, probate, and juvenile matters.
The inaugural Advocate for Justice Award was also presented to Assemblymember Jessica Caloza and Assemblymember John Harabedian in recognition of their contributions to advancing access to justice and strengthening California’s court system.
In addition to serving in the California State Senate, Senator Richardson currently serves as Assistant Majority Leader and is the incoming Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
###