On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly admonished Judge Thomas J. Griego of the Los Angeles County Superior Court for misconduct.
The commission’s decision stems from Judge Griego’s poor treatment of pro per small claims litigants across three separate days and four distinct cases, in addition to misconduct related to his administrative responsibilities.
The Commission determined that Judge Griego displayed a poor demeanor toward litigants representing themselves in small claims court. Specific instances of misconduct included interrupting litigants while they were attempting to answer questions, making disparaging and gratuitous remarks, abruptly and improperly leaving the courtroom during proceedings, and instructing a courtroom employee to address a litigant as “the woman” or “her,” which the commission found undermined the integrity of the judicial office.
Furthermore, Judge Griego neglected to check his court and personal mail for several months, causing delays in his response to investigative letters sent by the commission. This failure was deemed a violation of Judge Griego’s duties to maintain professional competence in judicial administration and to cooperate with the commission.
The commission noted that Judge Griego’s misconduct was aggravated by multiple acts during multiple hearings involving self-represented litigants. He also failed to recognize the impropriety of his behavior. The commission had previously disciplined Judge Griego for similar misconduct, indicating a pattern of poor demeanor toward self-represented litigants.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
