Two new commissioners appointed to LA court!

Los Angeles County Superior Court judges have appointed Deputy Alternate Public Defender Mahin Salehi and criminal defense attorney Joel Koury as court commissioners. The appointments were confirmed on Tuesday following an electronic voting process.

"The Court can confirm that Mahin Salehi and Joel Koury were elected as Court Commissioners on August 27, after receiving the highest number of votes cast by the judges of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County," a court spokesperson wrote in an email Thursday.

Both appointees have extensive experience working in the legal field in Los Angeles County.

Salehi brings a wealth of experience representing individuals who cannot afford private counsel. Her work in the public defender's office has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged defendants in the criminal justice system.

Koury, formerly a federal deputy public defender for the Central District of California and a Los Angeles deputy public defender known for his strong client advocacy, is transitioning from private practice.

Both earned their law degree from Loyola Law School.

Court commissioners in the Los Angeles Superior Court system play a crucial role in managing a variety of legal matters, including small claims cases, traffic violations and certain criminal proceedings. They are appointed by judges and have the authority to make legally binding decisions in the cases assigned to them.

The appointments will fill vacancies left open due to Tiffany W. Tai's appointment as a judge and the death of Commissioner Frank Chen.