Judge Bret D. Hillman

Educational Background

Bret D. Hillman earned his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and went on to receive a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1985. He completed his law studies in the mid-1980s before beginning his legal career in Tulare County.

Legal and Professional Career

  • 1986–1989: Associate at Stringham & Stringham (Tulare, CA)
  • 1990–2007: Partner at Stringham, Hillman & Lew (Tulare, CA)
  • 2007–2010: Partner at Hillman & Lew (Tulare, CA)

Before joining the bench, Hillman practiced as a civil trial attorney in Tulare County for over two decades. During this time he handled a variety of civil matters including business transactions, real estate law, estate planning, and litigation. His work as a partner and litigator at these local law firms established him as an experienced attorney in the community.

Judicial Appointment and Service

Bret Hillman was appointed to the Tulare County Superior Court by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in February 2010. He filled an open judgeship and took the oath of office that year. Since then he has served continuously on the court. Hillman stood for retention in subsequent elections – he ran unopposed in the 2012 judicial election and was retained, and he was again retained in 2018. His service on the bench has continued through the present.

Court Assignments

Judge Hillman sits in Department 2 of the Tulare County Superior Court (Visalia division), where he is assigned primarily to civil matters in the county’s North County jurisdiction. His docket includes general civil cases (plaintiff last names D through L and R) and related proceedings. In addition, he handles contested family law matters (such as divorce and custody hearings) and probate cases (including guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and estates). His daily calendar typically features civil law-and-motion hearings, case management and settlement conferences, and trials on jury and bench issues. He also oversees minor matters like small claims and unlawful detainer (eviction) cases within his assignment.

Notable Rulings and Cases

  • Tulare abortion clinic dispute (2024): In December 2024, Judge Hillman presided over a high-profile case involving a new abortion clinic in Tulare. The local property owners’ association had sought an injunction to prevent the clinic from operating based on a covenant banning abortion services. Hillman denied the preliminary injunction, finding that the clinic’s ban likely ran afoul of California’s civil rights laws. His ruling emphasized that prohibiting abortions could constitute gender discrimination under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and he noted that no higher court had definitively addressed this novel legal question.
  • Friant vs. Eastern Tule Water (2024–2025): Hillman has handled complex groundwater litigation in the San Joaquin Valley. In a 2025 case, he ruled on a dispute between the Friant Water Authority and the Eastern Tule Groundwater Sustainability Agency concerning a 2021 canal-repair funding agreement. In September 2025 he denied Eastern Tule’s motion to dismiss Friant’s breach-of-contract lawsuit. Hillman’s order warned that even if Friant proved its claims at trial, it might have to pursue relief from individual landowners rather than the agency itself. He set a trial date for December 2025 to resolve the matter.
  • Probate and conservatorship cases: Judge Hillman has also ruled on sensitive guardianship and conservatorship matters. Observers noted that in one California case he took care to apply the “least restrictive” solution for a conservatee, demonstrating a balanced approach to protecting individuals’ rights while resolving disputes. In general, his probate rulings are characterized by a focus on practical, real-world outcomes that respect all parties involved.

Judicial Philosophy and Reputation

Judge Hillman is regarded as a pragmatic and fair-minded jurist. Colleagues and legal observers note that he is willing to make difficult decisions when necessary, yet he often encourages parties to settle disputes where possible. For example, a judicial profile described him as being “praised for making tough calls, pushing settlement.” He strives to find balanced remedies – as one report observed, he seeks the “least restrictive scenario” in complex cases such as conservatorships. Hillman’s temperament and experience have earned him respect on the bench; he served as Presiding Judge of the Tulare County Superior Court, a rotating leadership role, reflecting the court’s confidence in his judgment and leadership.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Outside of his judicial duties, Hillman has participated in community and civic education efforts. He has spoken to local groups about the role of the courts. For instance, in 2017 he appeared as a featured speaker at a Tulare Leadership program’s government-day session, where he discussed the judicial system with area community leaders and officials. He has also been involved in various local bar and civic events, mentoring younger lawyers and explaining court processes to the public. Through these engagements, Judge Hillman contributes to public understanding of the legal system and supports professional development within the Tulare County community.