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INTERVIEW - Judicial candidate Tal Khan Valbuena came to the United States alone 25 years ago with just $200 and hope for a new life and better start.
He is making his first bid for public office and is challenging longtime incumbent Robert Draper who has served since 2012.
"This country gave me refuge and opportunity, and I built my life from the ground up—starting as a dishwasher and eventually becoming a Deputy District Attorney and mental health advocate with extensive courtroom experience," offered the candidate.
"I am running for judge because I want to protect and strengthen the system that gave me that chance. Too many people today no longer believe that equal justice exists in our courts. I bring the lived experience of someone who understands those struggles firsthand, along with years of trial experience."
"My goal is to help restore trust in our judiciary and bring a new generation of experienced courtroom leadership to the bench."
A graduate of Indiana University, he earned his JD from George Washington University after immigrating to the United States from Pakistan at the age of 18.
An avid long-distance runner, he resides in Long Beach with his partner and "our two four-legged companions."
Here is our interview with the candidate:
What concerns you most about the current functioning of the Los Angeles court system?
My greatest concern is access to justice.
For many people in Los Angeles, the court system can feel confusing, slow, and intimidating—especially for those without legal representation or facing language and resource barriers.
Courts function best when people understand the process, feel heard, and believe their case was treated fairly. Judges play an important role in ensuring proceedings are clear, efficient, and respectful for everyone who enters the courtroom.
Strengthening access to justice and restoring public confidence in the courts is one of the reasons I decided to run for this position. A judge must not only apply the law correctly, but also ensure the courtroom remains accessible and fair to all.
What distinguishes a good judge from a merely competent one?
A competent judge understands the law and applies it correctly. A good judge goes further by ensuring that everyone who enters the courtroom is heard, treated with dignity, and confident that their case was decided fairly.
Good judges combine legal knowledge with patience, preparation, and sound judgment. They manage their courtrooms efficiently, listen carefully to the parties before them, and issue decisions that are clear, thoughtful, and grounded in the law. Ultimately, what distinguishes a good judge is a commitment not only to getting the law right, but also to strengthening public trust in the justice system.
If an appellate court reverses one of your rulings, how do you evaluate your own decision-making and improve going forward?
An appellate reversal is an important part of the judicial process and an opportunity for reflection.
Trial judges make decisions in real time based on the facts presented and the governing law, but appellate courts provide guidance that helps ensure consistency and clarity across the system.
If one of my rulings were reversed, I would carefully review the opinion to understand the appellate court’s reasoning and the legal principles it clarified. That analysis would inform how I approach similar issues in the future. The goal is not to defend a past decision, but to ensure that future rulings are as fair, well-reasoned, and consistent with precedent as possible.
What kinds of feedback should judges accept from attorneys or court staff, and how should they handle criticism of their courtroom management?
Judges should welcome professional and constructive feedback from attorneys and court staff, particularly on courtroom procedures, scheduling, and communication. The people who work in the courtroom daily often have valuable insight into what promotes efficiency, fairness, and respect for all participants.
At the same time, feedback must be considered in a way that preserves judicial independence and impartiality.
When criticism arises regarding courtroom management, it should be met with professionalism and reflection. A judge’s responsibility is to listen, evaluate whether adjustments would improve the administration of justice, and ensure the courtroom remains fair, orderly, and respectful for everyone involved.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of Venice who is covering the numerous judicial and legislative races on the June 2nd ballot. Have a take or a tip? Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].)
