Judge Thomas Clark

  • Law School: USC Gould School of Law (J.D.)
  • Year Appointed: 2010
  • Appointing Governor: Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • Prior Legal Experience: Civil litigator in Bakersfield (1987–2010); tried nearly 200 jury trials
  • Years on the Bench: 14+
  • Courtroom Assignment: Department 17, Supervising Civil Judge (Bakersfield)
  • Reputation: Highly respected for trial expertise and fair courtroom demeanor

Education and Legal Career

Judge Thomas S. Clark received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Southern California. After graduating from the USC Gould School of Law, he spent over two decades practicing civil law in Bakersfield. His practice included a wide array of litigation, with nearly 200 jury trials completed by the time he joined the bench. His depth of experience earned him significant credibility in the legal community.

Judicial Appointment and Service

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Clark to the Kern County Superior Court in 2010. Upon joining the bench, he was assigned to civil matters and rose quickly in leadership. In 2013, he was named Assistant Supervising Civil Judge, and he currently serves as Supervising Civil Judge, a role that includes case assignment authority and coordination among civil bench officers.

Courtroom Assignments

Judge Clark presides over Department 17 of the Metropolitan Division in Bakersfield. He handles complex civil cases including business litigation, CEQA environmental writs, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil restraining orders. His courtroom is recognized for its efficiency and procedural rigor, and he is known for offering clear rulings based on deep familiarity with the Code of Civil Procedure and local rules.

Notable Cases

While not known for media-headline cases, Judge Clark has ruled on numerous large-scale civil disputes involving millions of dollars in damages and significant precedent questions. His background as a litigator makes him especially equipped to oversee trials involving insurance disputes, tort claims, and commercial law.

Judicial Philosophy and Conduct

Judge Clark is regarded as a by-the-book jurist with an emphasis on thorough preparation and respectful hearings. His style is firm but fair, and he holds all parties accountable to high professional standards. He allows ample opportunity for oral argument and is known for issuing detailed minute orders when necessary to clarify his decisions.

Reputation and Community Involvement

Clark enjoys a reputation as one of Kern County’s most respected civil judges. Lawyers who appear in his courtroom cite his expertise, steadiness, and clarity. He has mentored new judges and supports continuing legal education through local bar events. He is occasionally featured at bench-bar panels on civil procedure topics.

Leadership and Public Service

As Supervising Civil Judge, Clark oversees courtroom coverage, handles complaints related to courtroom management, and ensures consistency in policy enforcement among civil judges. His administrative leadership supports court transparency, scheduling efficiency, and uniform standards for pretrial and trial management.