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[ ELECTION 2026 ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/election-2024)
# Exclusive. The David DeJute Interview: Justice Belongs to Everyone!
March 09 2026
Written by Nick Antonicello.
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WESTSIDE - I spoke with judicial candidate David DeJute on a sunny Saturday morning over the phone from his residence in Malibu discussing why he was making this leap of faith into public service and elective office as a candidate for LA Judge.
The 63-year-old trial lawyer, college professor (Pepperdine University), former corporate executive and former US District Attorney fondly reminisced about his days growing up in Ohio where his Dad served on the bench.
He witnessed a fair and functioning judicial process, memories that played a great influence in his own career as an attorney.
And the issue of fairness weaved through our 90-minute conversation.
His professional resume is impressive. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, a graduate of Notre Dame University and Harvard Law School, he is employed of counsel with Michelman Robinson, focusing on class action and complex litigation.
Married to his partner of some forty years Eric, they have a 21-year-old son.
Speaking about his Dad, he emphasized they were different types of lawyers but wanted to emulate his Dad's character in the courtroom.
"My Dad said to me I would be a better judge, and nothing could make me prouder" than to see me serve in a judicial capacity. "
Unfortunately, David's father passed while he was at Harvard.
"I am grateful of my memories," said the candidate.
Unlike most judicial candidates, DeJute was a corporate executive with SONY Pictures, rounding out a more diversified resume than most.
When asked about the jury selection process, He was skeptical of any change.
Describing the "system as strained, but not broken," he feared a voluntary jury system would create "a professional class of jurors." However, he did support increasing stipends for service.
Regarding judicial philosophy, he believed "understanding the facts and the law" was critical, and would be guided as "the people's servant, and not a prince."
When asked about access to justice, he believed judges serve as advocates and that judicial personality should be tempered.
"It's not a perfect system," and he called for more dollars to control court fees to litigants.
When discussing judicial independence, he was committed to guard against any outside influences and would always try to do the right thing.
"Integrity matters. I will not be influenced nor swayed."
I turned to the court's efficiency and backlogs; he offered that process, and hard work would drive his calendar.
"I'll provide judicial direction. I will be conscientious in this process."
The issue of community trust was discussed, and that would be provided and created hard work and offering a dignified and respectful courtroom environment for all.
"Fair application of the law as well as reasoned opinion will be the standard I seek to set."
He agreed that Bar Association ratings, trial experience and reputation make for a solid selection process for any voter when evaluating judicial candidates here in Los Angeles County, the largest trial court in the United States.
Judicial terms are set for six years, and the pay-range is $226,000 to $241,000.
With no public financing for judicial contests, raising money is a challenge and he plans to budget $300,000 for the campaign.
"I saw in my Dad's courtroom how the law should be applied. Fairness. The facts and the law."
For more information, visit his website at [www.DeJuteforJudge.com](http://www.DeJuteforJudge.com)
***(Nick Antonicello** is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice and is covering several judicial races on the June Primary ballot. Have a take or a tip? Contact him online at [nantoni@mindspring.com)](mailto:nantoni@mindspring.com)*
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