Sidebar Sessions: Episode 2 with Judge Jerry Yang

We’re back with Episode 2 of Sidebar Sessions by CD Law, our podcast bringing you candid conversations on law and life, best enjoyed over a glass of wine. The episode is available now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

This episode, CD Law partners Miguel and Vineet dive into a conversation with Hon. Jerry Yang, a Riverside County Superior Court Judge and longtime friend from their UCLA Law days. From his journey as a federal prosecutor to the bench, Judge Yang opens up about the realities of courtroom life, career pivots, and finding your path in the justice system.

The Wine

This week, our guest had the honor of uncorking a classic: Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 50th Anniversary Edition. Since 1972, Caymus has been a go-to for approachable, bold reds. As Miguel and Vineet note: “You can’t go wrong with Caymus. It’s always quality, the go-to.”

About Judge Jerry Yang

Appointed to the Riverside County Superior Court in 2022 by Governor Gavin Newsom
Graduate of UCLA School of Law (2005)
Former federal prosecutor with nearly 14 years of experience in the U.S. Attorney’s office
The first judge of Chinese descent in Riverside County, having immigrated from Taiwan at age three
Former associate at Best Best & Krieger LLP and Buchalter PC

Fun fact: His nickname Jerry came from being a fan of the cartoon “Tom and Jerry” as a child. His legal name is a traditional Chinese name and his mom asked him to pick a new name before enrolling him in school. Jerry was the winner!

Episode Highlights

Some of the standout moments from this conversation include:

Life on the bench: Judge Yang shares what it’s like presiding over his 50th trial, many involving homicide and major felony cases.
Tips for trial lawyers: From respecting jurors’ time to avoiding too many witnesses, Judge Yang offers advice on what impresses judges and what doesn’t.
Choosing a jury: Why grilling jurors endlessly often backfires, and how efficiency is key. Jerry also shares that he rarely excuses someone from jury duty and instead will postpone them.
The path to the bench: Insight into the long application process, the importance of mentorship, and why judges often welcome mentees. Judge Yang also shares how the role of a judge can be isolating.
Other moments: Judge Yang reflects on the long hours as a federal prosecutor, his case featured on Dateline, and even shares his experience being in law school on 9/11.
Representation matters: His encouragement for aspiring judges, especially people of color, to seek mentors and pursue judicial service to bring much needed diversity to the bench.

Why Listen?

Whether you’re a lawyer, law student, or simply curious about what it’s like to move from prosecutor to judge, this episode offers rare behind-the-bench insights with honesty and humor. So pour yourself a glass (maybe Caymus, if you’re lucky), hit play, and join us for Sidebar Sessions, Episode 2 with Judge Jerry Yang.

Cheers to insights, stories, and the friends who make the law just a little more human.