Judge Valerie B. Fairbank: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Valerie B. Fairbank is a senior judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California. She was nominated to the seat by former President George W. Bush in January 2007. Fairbank was confirmed by the United States Senate in February 2007, filling the vacancy created by the Hon. Consuelo Bland Marshall. She assumed senior status in March 2012.

Fairbank received a bachelor's degree in English (1971) and a master's degree (1972) from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She then completed a J.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, in 1975.

Fairbank began her legal career as an associate at Overton, Lyman & Prince, LLP in 1975. Two years later, she began a tenure as an assistant United States attorney with the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, where she held an assignment in the Criminal Division. Fairbank remained in that capacity for three years, until returning to private practice in 1980. It was at that time, she joined Lillick, McHose & Charles as an associate. Fairbank was named a partner in 1982 and remained with the firm until her call to the state trial court bench in 1987.

Fairbank began her judicial career as a judge for the Los Angeles County Municipal Court. Then, in 1988, she was elevated to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where she remained until her appointment to the federal court.

Fairbank was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.