Judge Frank Ruiz

  • Education: Juris Doctor, Seattle University School of Law (class of 2013). (Undergraduate degree and institution not publicly reported.)
  • Legal Career: Deputy County Counsel at the Kings County Counsel’s Office (2014–2025); earlier in 2014 served as an associate attorney for the Children’s Advocacy Group (Riverside) and as a volunteer deputy public defender in Riverside County.
  • Judicial Appointment: Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom (announced June 18, 2025); sworn in July 31, 2025. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brett R. Alldredge.
  • Bench Tenure: Serving as a Tulare County Superior Court judge from mid-2025 (first-term appointment). Initial assignment is to the North County juvenile court (Department C).
  • Court Assignment: Department C (Visalia) – handles North County juvenile cases, including dependency and delinquency matters.
  • Professional Memberships: Member of the Tulare County Bar Association and active member of the California State Bar.
  • Community Service: Early career volunteer service as a deputy public defender and work with children’s advocacy programs, reflecting strong involvement in youth and public-interest legal issues.

Education

Frank Ruiz earned his law degree from Seattle University School of Law in 2013. His legal education focused on public service and youth advocacy issues. Details of his undergraduate studies (institution, degree, field) have not been publicly disclosed. After law school, he passed the California bar and began working in public-sector legal roles.

Legal Career

After graduating, Ruiz built a career in public service. In 2014 he joined the Children’s Advocacy Group in Riverside as an associate attorney, representing children and families in juvenile matters. During the same year, he also volunteered as a deputy public defender with the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office. Later in 2014, Ruiz became an attorney with the Kings County Counsel’s Office. Over the next decade he rose to the position of Deputy County Counsel, providing legal advice to county departments and handling civil and governmental law issues on behalf of the county. His work often involved juvenile and family law matters given his early experience in youth advocacy.

Appointment to the Bench

In June 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Frank Ruiz as a judge of the Tulare County Superior Court. Ruiz was selected to fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Brett R. Alldredge. He was formally sworn in on July 31, 2025 and began serving immediately. At the time of his appointment, Ruiz had over ten years of public-sector legal experience. His appointment was one of several announced by Governor Newsom in mid-2025, reflecting his strong background in county government law.

Court Assignments

Upon taking the bench, Judge Ruiz was assigned to Department C at the Visalia courthouse (North County). His docket includes juvenile cases: specifically, North County dependency (child welfare) and delinquency (juvenile crime) matters. In this role he presides over hearings and trials involving youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This assignment aligns with his background in youth advocacy and county legal service.

Notable Cases

As a newly appointed judge, Frank Ruiz has not yet authored any published opinions or presided over high-profile cases. He joined the bench in 2025 and his first cases involve juvenile and dependency matters in the North County. No specific notable rulings or landmark decisions have been reported under his tenure to date.

Judicial Philosophy and Demeanor

Public information about Judge Ruiz’s personal judicial philosophy is limited, but his background suggests a strong commitment to public service and balanced, youth-focused justice. The presiding judge noted at his appointment that Ruiz’s extensive public-sector experience and juvenile law background will benefit the court. His career choices – including volunteering for a public defender’s office and working with a children’s advocacy organization – imply that he approaches cases with empathy for vulnerable populations. Colleagues characterize him as pragmatic and community-oriented, with a reputation for fair-mindedness in juvenile and family law matters.

Community Involvement and Professional Associations

Ruiz is active in the local legal community. He is a member of the Tulare County Bar Association and participates in bar events and continuing legal education. In his early career he engaged in community legal service by volunteering in the public defender’s office and working in child advocacy. While at Kings County Counsel, he also collaborated with local government agencies. Outside the courtroom, Ruiz has been involved informally in the Central Valley community; for example, he trained in and taught Brazilian jiu-jitsu to youth (reflecting his interest in mentoring). Overall, his professional memberships and volunteer service reflect a commitment to both the legal profession and the broader community.