Judge Nathan D. Ide

• Education: B.A. from University of California, Berkeley; J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law.
• Bar Admission: Admitted to the California State Bar in January 1997.
• Judicial Appointment: Appointed June 18, 2014 by Governor Jerry Brown to the Tulare County Superior Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Elisabeth B. Krant.
• Political Affiliation: Registered No Party Preference (independent).
• Courtroom Assignment: Currently assigned to Department 4 (Criminal Division) at the Visalia courthouse (handling felony arraignments and preliminary hearings for Visalia/Exeter/Dinuba); also serving as Presiding Judge of Tulare County Superior Court.
• Term: California Superior Court judges serve six-year terms; Ide ran unopposed for his 2016 election and is serving his term through 2022.

Educational Background

Judge Nathan D. Ide is a California native who earned his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. He completed law school in the mid-1990s and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1997. His formal education prepared him for a career in litigation and public service. Throughout his education, Ide emphasized a broad legal foundation that would later serve him both in private practice and on the bench.

Legal and Professional Experience Prior to Judicial Appointment

After passing the bar, Ide began his legal career as an associate at small law firms in the Visalia area. From 1997 to 1998, he worked at the Law Offices of George W. Nowell, then moved to Hurlbutt, Clevenger, Long, Rauber & Nelson from 1998 to 2001. In 2002 he became a partner at the law firm Gubler & Ide, where he practiced civil and criminal law through 2006. In 2007, Ide launched his own practice (Law Offices of Nathan D. Ide) in Visalia, focusing on litigation and defense work. He was in private practice for seven years before his appointment to the bench, building a reputation as an experienced trial lawyer in Tulare County.

Judicial Appointment Details

In 2014, Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. selected Nathan Ide to join the Tulare County Superior Court. Brown announced Ide’s appointment on June 18, 2014, noting Ide’s local roots and legal experience. Ide was 45 years old at the time, residing in Visalia. He took over the judicial seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Elisabeth B. Krant. At the time of his appointment Ide was registered without party preference. He was sworn in later that year and began hearing cases on the bench.

Current Courtroom and Assignment Types

Judge Ide sits in Department 4 of the Tulare County Superior Court’s Visalia division. His department is dedicated to criminal matters: he handles felony arraignments, preliminary hearings, and related motions for cases originating in the North County jurisdiction (Visalia, Exeter and Dinuba). His weekly schedule typically includes arraignments, motion hearings, and preliminary examinations in felony cases. In addition to his departmental duties, Ide currently serves as the Presiding Judge of Tulare County Superior Court (a leadership role among the judges). As Presiding Judge, he oversees court administration and policy implementation for the county’s trial court.

Notable Rulings or Case History (Summarized)

Judge Ide has presided over a range of criminal and civil cases since joining the bench. In criminal court he has handled jury trials and sentencing in felony and misdemeanor matters. For example, in 2018 he oversaw the trial of a Visalia man convicted of indecent exposure at a middle school, securing a conviction and sentencing in Department 12. In civil cases, one high-profile example came in 2021 when Ide ruled on a lawsuit involving a Farmersville couple who had been wrongfully detained by sheriff’s deputies. He refused the county’s motion to dismiss that case, finding the defense’s arguments procedurally insufficient and allowing claims of false arrest and battery to proceed toward trial. The ruling emphasized adherence to court rules in civil motions and cleared the way for a jury trial. (The county later appealed this decision.) Overall, Ide’s case history shows an emphasis on strict compliance with procedural rules and a willingness to allow factual disputes to be decided by juries when legal requirements are met.

Judicial Philosophy or Approach

Judge Ide has not publicly articulated a detailed judicial philosophy, but his rulings suggest certain tendencies. He places a strong emphasis on following procedural rules and clear legal reasoning. For instance, in the 2021 civil rights case, his written decisions stressed that motions must clearly identify legal grounds or they cannot be granted. In practice, Ide appears to apply the law methodically and impartially, focusing on the facts and legal standards before him. Colleagues note that he is careful and thorough in his courtroom, requiring attorneys to meet formal requirements and ensuring that both prosecution and defense have a fair opportunity to be heard.

Ethics and Conduct History

To date, there is no public record of disciplinary actions or ethics complaints against Judge Ide. He has a clean standing with the state judicial oversight authorities and there have been no reports of misconduct or investigation. Throughout his time on the bench, he has adhered to the judicial code of conduct. No cases of judge-specific ethics violations are known, indicating that he maintains a professional reputation and follows the expected standards for a jurist.

Professional Reputation

Within the Tulare County legal community, Judge Ide is generally regarded as a competent and fair judge. At the time of his appointment, local news accounts highlighted his solid legal background and community ties. Since taking office, he has kept a relatively low profile outside the courtroom. Attorneys who have appeared before him describe him as focused and even-handed. There are no notable criticisms of his work; on the contrary, his decisions are viewed as well-reasoned. In summary, Ide’s reputation is that of a mainstream, hardworking judge respected for his legal knowledge and professionalism.

Community Involvement and Outreach Activities

Judge Ide is active in the local legal community and supports public outreach efforts. He regularly participates in Tulare County Bar Association educational events. For example, as Presiding Judge he has presented at MCLE (mandatory continuing legal education) luncheons and conferences on topics like the “State of the Courts,” explaining court developments to lawyers and the public. Through his leadership, the court has also emphasized access to justice and community education. While judges must remain neutral, Ide has encouraged initiatives to inform the public about court processes. In short, he engages with the community by speaking at legal forums and by supporting court programs aimed at increasing public understanding of the judicial system.