Commissioner Kevin Moran

• Education: B.A., Dartmouth College; J.D., UCLA School of Law.
• Legal Background: 15 years as a Deputy Public Defender in Kern County, supervising other attorneys and handling serious felony cases.
• Appointment: Appointed Superior Court Commissioner by Kern County judges; sworn in on July 31, 2023.
• Courtroom Assignment: Family law division (Department C) at the Kern County Superior Court’s Bakersfield courthouse.

Background and Education

Kevin Moran completed his undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College before earning his law degree from UCLA School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2007. His academic achievements provided a strong foundation for a career in public service.

Legal Career and Experience

After law school, Moran joined the Kern County Public Defender’s Office. Over a 15-year span, he advanced to a senior deputy public defender role. In that capacity he supervised other attorneys and managed his own caseload, which primarily involved serious felony matters. His work as a public defender provided extensive courtroom experience and a reputation for dedication to criminal defense.

Judicial Appointment

In mid-2023, the judges of the Kern County Superior Court selected Moran for appointment as a Court Commissioner. He was sworn in on July 31, 2023. As a commissioner, Moran serves as a temporary judge, presiding over cases and issuing orders with the authority of a judge. The appointment reflects the court’s confidence in his legal acumen and trial experience.

Courtroom Assignment and Responsibilities

Moran is currently assigned to Department C in the family law division of the Bakersfield courthouse (Metropolitan Division, Justice Building). In this role he handles family law cases including divorce proceedings, child custody and support disputes, and other domestic relations matters. His responsibilities include conducting hearings, making findings of fact, and issuing recommended decisions in these cases.

Notable Rulings or Contributions

As a relatively new court commissioner, Moran does not yet have published judicial opinions. However, his prior work on high-stakes criminal cases garnered respect from judges and peers. Court officials have noted his thorough preparation and fairness. He is recognized for bringing deep knowledge of criminal law to the bench and for applying that insight in his new role overseeing family law matters.

Judicial Temperament and Community Engagement

Moran is regarded as fair-minded, patient, and professional in the courtroom. Colleagues and judges have praised his calm demeanor and integrity. Throughout his career as a public defender, he demonstrated a commitment to serving underserved communities by ensuring that even low-income defendants received vigorous representation. This background suggests a community-oriented approach to justice and a compassionate judicial temperament.

Summary

Kevin Moran is a Kern County Superior Court Commissioner with a strong background in public defense and family law. With degrees from Dartmouth and UCLA Law, he brings solid legal training to the bench. His 15 years as a deputy public defender endowed him with extensive trial experience and a reputation for advocacy. Since his 2023 appointment, he has applied those skills to presiding over family law cases in Bakersfield. Moran is praised for his fairness and professionalism, and he continues to uphold a strong ethic of public service on the bench.