Anna Slotky Reitano seeks LA Superior Court Office 65 seat

Anna Slotky Reitano is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Office 65, a nonpartisan seat on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Justin Allen Clayton is also running.

Asked why she is seeking the bench, Reitano said in our candidate questionnaire: "I spent more than a decade as a Public Defender, standing beside people whose freedom and futures were on the line. Public service through the law has been my life's work. I want to bring that commitment to the bench."

She added: "I know how much depends on the person wearing the robe. People deserve a judge who has done the work, understands the stakes and gives them a fair hearing."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Reitano said in our questionnaire: "I am a registered Democrat. Judicial office is nonpartisan, and I am running to serve everyone in Los Angeles County."

Education: Reitano said in our questionnaire: "I am a product of public school and earned my Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College and my Juris Doctor from UC Davis School of Law. I chose Davis for its commitment to public interest law because I knew I wanted a career in public service."

She added: "During law school, I received a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence and served as an editor of Environs, the environmental law and policy journal."

Family: Reitano said in our questionnaire: "I am married and have three sons. Our family is involved in local schools, youth sports and our community."

She also said: "I also have a brother with schizophrenia who has been involved in the court system. I know what it feels like to worry about someone you love and struggle to help them navigate that system."

Family background: Asked whether anyone in her family works in politics or government, Reitano said: "My family does not have a political background. … My mother taught deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Chicago, (including Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin as a child), and later worked in speech and language in California."

She added: "I am the first person in my family to attend law school or run for office."

Experience and public service

Reitano said in our questionnaire: "I am a Deputy County Counsel for Los Angeles County, supervising civil litigation and advising departments responsible for youth development, community safety, and justice-related services."

She described her prior work: "Previously, I spent ten and a half years as a Deputy Public Defender and trial attorney, handling misdemeanor, juvenile and serious felony cases, including jury trials and juvenile adjudications."

She said: "I bring more than 17 years as a licensed attorney and over 20 years of public service."

Asked about accomplishments, Reitano said: "I have completed dozens of jury trials and juvenile adjudications, most of which were serious felony cases."

She cited specific cases: "In a juvenile attempted murder case, I preserved the record necessary for a successful appeal. I was also among the first attorneys in my office to litigate a Racial Justice Act claim. It ultimately resulted with a dismissal."

Reitano said in our questionnaire: "I was elected to the Los Angeles County Public Defender Association board and served as its treasurer."

On the issues

Differences from her opponent: Reitano said: "The clearest difference is the depth and range of my legal experience. I have practiced longer and worked across criminal, juvenile, civil, labor, administrative and government law."

She added: "A judge must evaluate arguments from every side. My career has required me to do that in different courtrooms, under different bodies of law and on behalf of clients with very different responsibilities and needs."

Mental health and criminal justice: According to her campaign website, Reitano said judges need to understand mental health disorders and developmental disabilities. She said they should use available legal tools, including collaborative courts and mental health diversion, to protect public safety through ensuring access to treatment.