Judge Patricia Yim Cowett - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Patricia Yim Cowett (Ret.) served as a judge for the San Diego County Superior Court in California. Cowett was initially appointed to the San Diego Municipal Court by former Governor Jerry Brown in 1979. Then, in 1999, she was elevated to the San Diego Superior Court upon court unification. She is considered to be the first Chinese-American female jurist in the United States.

Over the course of her judicial career, Cowett held assignments as a Justice Pro Tem of the California Court of Appeal (Fourth Appellate District) from 1984 to 1985. She served as the Presiding Judge of the San Diego Municipal Court (1991), helping to establish the specialized criminal domestic violence court.

Cowett earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1969. She then completed a J.D. at the University of California, Davis School of Law in 1972.

After graduating from law school, Cowett began her legal career as a Deputy City Attorney in the Criminal Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. The following year, she joined the Legal Division of the California Department of Transportation, where she served as an Associate Deputy Attorney tasked with handling litigation in the fields of eminent domain and personal injury defense. She then moved to the San Diego Gas and Electric Company in 1975.

She has taught mediation and arbitration courses in the European Union through the Center for International Legal Studies.

Her memberships have included the National Association of Pan Asian Bar Associations, the Lawyers Club of San Diego (President), the Pan-Asian Lawyers of San Diego (President), and California Women Lawyers. She also sat on the Lawyers Club Fund for Justice, the Lawyers Club Diverse Women’s Task Force, the San Diego Mayor’s Advisory Board on Women, and the International Outreach Committee for the National Association of Women Judges.

She is a recipient of the Trial Judge of the Year Award from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (2008), the Judge of the Year Award from the San Diego County Bar Association (2006), the Judicial Achievement Award from the California Probation Officers Association (1997), and the Phenomenal Woman Award from the Ethnic Minority Bar Associations of San Diego County.

Cowett retired on April 8, 2008, and joined ADR Services as a private mediator and arbitrator.

Recent Cases by Hon. Patricia Yim Cowett

Gary Sears vs. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

On December 27, 2007 a pi/pd/wd - other case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia Yim Cowett presiding.

Filed

Dec 27, 2007

Status

Consolidation

Judge

Hon. Patricia Yim Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia Yim Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

PI/PD/WD - Other

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Erik Kalabat vs. Hope E Russell

On December 21, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Dec 21, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Diamond Lane Contractors vs. DAVIS REED CONSTRUCTION, INC.

On December 13, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Dec 13, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Jack W. Morehouse, Trustee of the Jack W. Morehouse Living Trust Dated 12/04/03 vs. Temecula Valley Bank, a California Corporation, S.B.S Trust Deed Network

On November 13, 2007 an other real property case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Nov 13, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Other Real Property

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

General Property

Charles D. Anacker vs. Children's Angelcare Aid International

On November 9, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Nov 09, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Ana Stover vs. Chula Vista Elementary School District

On October 30, 2007 an other employment case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia Yim Cowett presiding.

Filed

Oct 30, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia Yim Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia Yim Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Other employment

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

North County Acoustics Inc vs. C J Torre Construstion Co Inc

On October 30, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Oct 30, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobile Club, An Interinsurance Exchange vs. Jean M Willrich

On October 16, 2007 a pi/pd/wd - auto case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

PI/PD/WD - Auto

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Love's 1948 Franchise Group LLC vs. Irvin G Malashock

On October 9, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia Yim Cowett presiding.

Filed

Oct 09, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia Yim Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia Yim Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

PACIFIC BELL DIRECTORY vs. GALAM & DRELICH LLP

On October 4, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Oct 04, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Hanson Aggregates West Inc. vs. Biarritz LLC

On September 25, 2007 an other real property case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Sep 25, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Other Real Property

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

General Property

Frank Polese vs. David Welbaum

On September 20, 2007 other collections case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia Yim Cowett presiding.

Filed

Sep 20, 2007

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Patricia Yim Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia Yim Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Other Collections

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

KSL DC MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC vs. SHIRLEY COOK

On September 18, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Sep 18, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Wells Fargo Financial Bank vs. Jose C Go

On September 17, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Sep 17, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Thelma Jasper vs. Carnival Corporation

On September 6, 2007 civil rights case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Sep 06, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Civil Rights

ECT Mesa Ridge LLC vs. Einstein Industries Inc

On August 31, 2007 an unlawful detainer - commercial case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 31, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Unlawful Detainer - Commercial

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Cortez Blu Community Association, Inc. vs. Rasik Bosmia

On August 31, 2007 an other real property case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 31, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Other Real Property

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

General Property

Dixieline Lumber Company vs. Luminary Builders/Electric Inc

On August 28, 2007 an other real property case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 28, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Other Real Property

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

General Property

Mira Mountain Ltd vs. Surinder Kumar

On August 24, 2007 an unlawful detainer - commercial case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 24, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Unlawful Detainer - Commercial

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

MARSHA PELLAR vs. George C Georgaklis DMD

On August 20, 2007 a medical malpractice case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Cowett, Patricia presiding.

Filed

Aug 20, 2007

Status

Trial Verdict

Judge

Hon. Cowett, Patricia 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Cowett, Patricia

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Medical Malpractice

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Malpractice

City of San Diego vs. Angeles Jesus Encarnacion

On August 20, 2007 a pi/pd/wd - auto case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 20, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

PI/PD/WD - Auto

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

NORTHLAND INSURANCE COMPANY vs. Michael Edward Farrell

On August 10, 2007 an uninsured motorist case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 10, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

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Category

Uninsured Motorist

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. vs. Ervin R. Taylor

On August 10, 2007 a breach of contract/warranty case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 10, 2007

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Breach of Contract/Warranty

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Glenborough Properties L P vs. Equity Capital Group Inc

On August 9, 2007 an unlawful detainer - commercial case was filed in the jurisdiction of San Diego County. Judge Patricia A. Y. Cowett presiding.

Filed

Aug 09, 2007

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Patricia A. Y. Cowett 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patricia A. Y. Cowett

Court

San Diego County

County

San Diego County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Unlawful Detainer - Commercial

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

About

Patricia Yim Cowett
Current Appointment San Diego County Superior Court, Retired	San Diego County Superior Court, Retired
Education B.A., University of California, Berkeley - 1969 J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law - 1972	B.A., University of California, Berkeley - 1969 J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law - 1972

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - San Diego County Superior Court

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Deputy City Attorney	Office of the San Diego City Attorney	San Diego County, California
Associate Deputy Attorney	California Department of Transportation	None
Attorney	San Diego Gas and Electric Company	San Diego County, California
Judge	San Diego Municipal Court	San Diego County, California
Judge	Superior Court of California	San Diego County, California