Just Show Up: A Morning in Judge Judy Bae’s Courtroom

 On Monday, June 8, 2026, I had the pleasure of attending and introducing Judge Judy Bae during the “Civil Practice Series: Civil Court Essentials for New Attorneys” in her courtroom (Department SD-62) at the Hall of Justice Courthouse. This in-person CLE was worth one credit hour and was well attended, with approximately thirty (30) eager new attorneys ready to learn. 

Judge Bae, like a seasoned professor, made the environment feel welcoming and inviting, describing it as a “safe space” for any and all questions. I have been in many settings where that was not the actual feeling of the room, but Judge Bae did a remarkable job of making everyone feel comfortable sharing their questions and ensuring they felt heard and respected. 

Judge Bae started with the basics, covering courtroom layout, proper courtroom etiquette, how to present oneself and speak into the microphone, how to address the court, and when to request permission to enter the well. She then gradually moved into more substantive topics, including case management conferences, case management statements, motion hearings, and effective ways to interact with opposing counsel, the court, and jurors. There were no lulls during this CLE, and participants asked thoughtful, pointed questions throughout. 

Judge Bae made a great decision in requiring this event to be held in person, as it was considerably more impactful than a virtual presentation would have been. The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to offering similar programming in the near future. 

Of course, not all CLE instructors are the same, but Judge Judy Bae was truly a cut above most that I have seen. We hope to see you at our next event and remember – Just Show Up – you won’t regret it.