IPN Spotlight: Judge Halim Dhanidina (Associate Justice for the Court of Appeal for the Second District of California)
Featured in the DC News & Views Judge Halim Dhanidina, serves as an associate justice for the Court of Appeal for the Second District of California, the first Muslim and South Asian American justice writing a new page in history of the California courts. Previously, Judge Dhanidina served as the deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County from 1998- 2012. During the span of his service, Governor Jerry Brown first appointed him to a judgeship in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge Dhanidina, has been an advocate to tackle misguidedness of xenophobic bigotries as well as the necessity for public servants to represent their communities. He is serving as founding member of the Association of South Asian Prosecutors, Asian Pacific American and South Asian Bar Associations. Judge Dhanidina’s accomplishments and exemplary work stand to disrupt the stereotypical image of what a Muslim looks like to the general American public.
Judge Dhanidina received his Bachelor of Arts in international relations 1994 from Pomona College and Juris Doctorate from UCLA Law School in 1997. He has been a professor at the University of California at Irvine, Chapman University, and Western State University law schools.
What skills have helped you in your career?
I chose a career in courtroom law. As such the greatest skill that I possess is the ability to think on my feet and to be spontaneous. As a judge and as an attorney I have had to be able to respond to and be comfortable in stressful situations that are often unpredictable. Another skill is the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people in the court setting, whether it is with lawyers, members of the public, or staff. I also spend a lot of time on career development which requires the willingness to make connections in every environment and the ability to forge relationships with people for the purpose of networking and connecting others for possible opportunities.
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
As a judge in California there is a set requirement for continuing education for all members of the judiciary. As an appellate justice, I attend training on an annual basis. I have also been used as a faculty member for the Judicial Council of California in providing training for new judges.
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish I had spent more time pursuing the study of foreign languages. Being able to enhance your personal development through experiencing a secondary culture can broaden your perspectives and appreciation for cultural heritage.
What is next for you in your career?
I was recently retained by the voters to serve a full term on the court of appeal so my focus is on making a positive impact on the court where I serve, but I always try to keep an open mind for new opportunities should they present themselves.
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Mentorship- shadow, or lead by example career path to emulate
• Advice for how to get involved in civic institutions
Please provide your preferred email address so interested professionals can network with
you:
[email protected]
Region:
West
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