Judge Bernard C. Barmann, Jr.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics-Accounting from Claremont McKenna College (cum laude); Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School (1990).
Judicial Appointment: Appointed to the Kern County Superior Court in December 2020 by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Legal Career: Over 30 years of experience in civil litigation, including roles at O’Melveny & Myers and Proskauer Rose, and as a partner at Hirschmann & Barmann LLP and Kuhs & Parker.
Years on Bench: Serving as a judge since 2020 (approximately 5 years of judicial service).
Court Assignment: Assigned to the Civil Division, handling unlimited civil cases and civil writs.
Leadership: Currently the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division, overseeing civil case operations and administration.

Education and Legal Background

Bernard C. Barmann, Jr. earned his undergraduate degree from Claremont McKenna College, graduating cum laude with a dual major in economics and accounting. He then attended Columbia Law School, where he excelled academically and obtained his Juris Doctor in 1990 at the age of 23. Upon admission to the California Bar in 1990, Barmann embarked on a distinguished legal career focused on civil litigation.

During his three-decade legal career before joining the bench, Barmann worked at several prominent law firms and developed expertise in business and civil litigation. He began as an associate (and later special counsel) at the international law firm O’Melveny & Myers, where he practiced throughout the 1990s. He also served as an associate with Proskauer Rose LLP in the early 2000s. In 2002, Barmann became a partner at Hirschmann & Barmann LLP, a practice that allowed him to handle a broad range of civil cases in Kern County. He continued to build his litigation experience and later rejoined O’Melveny & Myers as counsel from 2008 to 2011. In 2011, he joined the Bakersfield firm Kuhs & Parker, eventually becoming a partner there in 2019. Throughout his career as an attorney, he represented businesses and individuals in complex civil matters and was also known for his work as a mediator. His peers recognized him for his effective advocacy and professionalism, as reflected by a high Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating.

Judicial Appointment and Responsibilities

Judge Barmann was appointed to the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 8, 2020. This appointment filled a newly created judgeship in the Kern County Superior Court. He was sworn in and began serving on the bench in late 2020. In June 2022, Judge Barmann stood for election for a full term; he was unopposed and thereby automatically elected, extending his current term of office through January 2029.

Since taking the bench, Judge Barmann has been assigned to the court’s Civil Division in Bakersfield. In this capacity, he handles “unlimited” civil cases—major civil lawsuits typically involving significant claims or complex issues—as well as civil writ proceedings. His docket includes a wide variety of civil matters, from business disputes and personal injury lawsuits to petitions for writs of mandate (such as challenges to governmental decisions or election results). Judge Barmann presides over trials, hearings, and motions in these cases, managing a substantial caseload and ensuring that civil matters move efficiently through the court.

Notable Cases and Rulings

Despite only joining the bench in 2020, Judge Barmann has overseen several high-profile or impactful cases. In 2021, he presided over a significant case related to California’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for prison staff. In that matter, Judge Barmann initially issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of a new state rule that would have required correctional officers (prison guards) to be vaccinated. This order—sought by the prison guards’ union—temporarily halted the mandate for union-represented guards while the issue was litigated. (The restraining order was later dissolved after further court proceedings.)

Another notable decision came in 2024, when Judge Barmann granted a preliminary injunction in a major agricultural labor case. The case involved Wonderful Nurseries (part of The Wonderful Company) challenging a recently enacted California law that streamlined unionization through a “card check” process. The state’s Agricultural Labor Relations Board had certified a farmworkers’ union at the nursery under the new law, but the company argued the process violated its constitutional rights. Judge Barmann’s ruling halted the enforcement of that union certification and paused related proceedings, citing potential constitutional issues with the union election process. His decision in this case drew statewide attention, as it put on hold a key test of the new farm labor union law pending further review.

In the local arena, Judge Barmann also handled a contested school board election dispute that garnered public interest. In a case concerning the Greenfield Union School District in Bakersfield, a narrow election outcome was challenged due to an error in ballot distribution (over a hundred voters in the wrong area received ballots for the race). The losing candidate sought to invalidate the election. After reviewing the evidence, Judge Barmann concluded that there was insufficient proof that the ballot error affected the result. He declined to order a new election, effectively upholding the original election results. This decision, while controversial to some, affirmed the election outcome and emphasized the lack of evidence that the mistake altered the voters’ will.

Judicial Reputation and Feedback

Within the legal community, Judge Barmann is regarded as a knowledgeable and fair jurist. Colleagues and attorneys note that he brings a deep understanding of civil law to the bench, thanks to his extensive background as a litigator in complex cases. His courtroom demeanor is described as thoughtful and even-tempered, and he is known to be thorough in his consideration of legal arguments. Since taking office, he has handled his calendar with professionalism, demonstrating both efficiency and attention to detail in managing cases.

During his years in private practice, Barmann earned a strong professional reputation. He held a high peer-review rating for legal ability and ethics (including a Martindale-Hubbell rating reflecting very high standing among peers). That respect has carried over into his judicial career; attorneys who appear before him have praised his preparedness and clear communication. Judge Barmann’s ability to grasp complex facts and legal issues quickly has been seen as an asset, contributing to his credibility on the bench. Overall, his relatively short time on the court has been marked by positive feedback, and he has become a well-respected member of the Kern County judiciary.

Leadership Roles and Court Contributions

In addition to his duties hearing cases, Judge Barmann has taken on leadership responsibilities within the Superior Court. He currently serves as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division. In this role, he provides administrative oversight for the civil courts in Kern County, working closely with the Presiding Judge and court administration to ensure that civil cases are handled efficiently and consistently. As Supervising Judge, Barmann helps coordinate the assignments of civil cases and judges, oversees implementation of civil case management policies, and addresses any procedural issues that arise in the civil division.

Judge Barmann’s leadership position indicates the confidence his colleagues have in his organizational skills and judgment. Through this role, he contributes to improving court operations and upholding high standards in the handling of civil matters. Additionally, he remains engaged with the broader court community—whether through committee work, training newer judges, or participating in outreach efforts—and exemplifies a commitment to public service. His combination of practical experience, administrative aptitude, and dedication to justice aids the Kern County Superior Court in serving the public effectively.