Edith R. Matthai

LOS ANGELES - Edith R. Matthai represents attorneys and judges in malpractice and discipline cases at Robie & Matthai PC, the firm she cofounded in 1975 with her husband, James R. Robie, an insurance bad faith defense lawyer who died in 2011.

"We actually met when we were first-year lawyers at another firm, in the days when you could date someone you were working with," she said with a laugh.

Their daughter Leigh P. Robie is now a member of the nine-attorney boutique, whose focus has shifted largely to professional responsibility matters.

Matthai's current marquee client is Orange County Superior Court Judge Michael F. Murray, whose conduct as a deputy district attorney is under fire for alleged Brady violations in a murder case years before he joined the bench. Inquiry Concerning Judge Michael F. Murray, No. 207 (CJP, filed Jan. 5, 2022).

The matter is headed for an October hearing before the full Commission on Judicial Performance. CJP staff lawyers have recommended public discipline; Matthai argues that, on the contrary, the commission should follow special masters' recommendation that her client deserves no discipline.

"The Commission should decline to substitute its judgment for that of the Special Masters, particularly where, as here, the charges so clearly required credibility findings" about Murray's knowledge of potentially exculpatory evidence in the underlying criminal prosecution, Matthai wrote.

She also represented 3rd District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Vance W. Raye, who, on the day he retired, stipulated to public admonishment for a "pattern of delay" in deciding appellate cases. The stipulation came before formal proceedings were opened by the CJP. In the Matter Concerning Justice Vance W. Raye (CJP, filed Jan. 29, 2021).

In 2016, Matthai obtained a rare dismissal by the state Supreme Court of a CJP advisory letter of reprimand against a Ventura County judge and guide dog trainer who kept a service dog behind the bench while court was in session.

"The dog caused no disruption whatsoever, and I thought this would be an easy case, but it went all the way up," Matthai said. "The high court hadn't taken a CJP case since 1999. It showed what I've said about some of my matters: 'If it's weird, send it to Edith.'"