Judge Jon A. Heaberlin

Judge Jon A. Heaberlin is a newly appointed jurist at the Santa Clara County Superior Court, having been elevated from Commissioner to Judge by Governor Gavin Newsom on November 21, 2024. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nona Klippen. His judicial tenure is notably recent, meaning there is a limited public record of written opinions or documented ruling patterns to analyze. However, his professional background provides meaningful context for anticipating his judicial temperament and approach. Heaberlin spent the entirety of his pre-bench legal career — approximately 25 years — at the firm Rankin | Stock | Heaberlin | Oneal, rising from Associate in 1998 to Named Partner by 2005. This long tenure at a single firm suggests a practitioner who values institutional loyalty, methodical professional development, and deep subject-matter expertise cultivated over time rather than breadth across many practice settings. Attorneys should expect a judge who is comfortable with the rhythms of civil litigation and who likely has strong opinions about professional conduct and case management, shaped by decades of practice in Santa Clara County's legal community. His prior service as a Commissioner beginning in 2023 — before his formal judicial appointment — indicates he has already been presiding over matters and developing a judicial identity. This transitional period from Commissioner to Judge is significant: he is not a blank slate, but rather a jurist who has been actively shaping his courtroom practices for at least one to two years. His Democratic political affiliation and appointment by Governor Newsom suggest alignment with progressive judicial values, though no specific ruling data is available to confirm ideological tendencies in practice.

Given the absence of documented ruling analyses or attorney observations, attorneys appearing before Judge Heaberlin should approach preparation with a focus on fundamentals and professionalism. His 25-year career as a civil litigator at a single Santa Clara County firm means he has likely seen every procedural maneuver and argument style from the practitioner's side. Attempting to obscure weaknesses in your case or deploy procedural gamesmanship is likely to be recognized and may undermine your credibility. Instead, lead with candor about the strengths and weaknesses of your position and demonstrate that you have genuinely engaged with the opposing arguments. Because Heaberlin served as a Commissioner before his judicial appointment, he has already been managing calendars, conducting hearings, and issuing rulings. Attorneys should research any publicly available Commissioner-level rulings or tentative decisions from his time in that role, as they may reveal early patterns in how he structures legal analysis, what procedural standards he enforces, and how he handles discovery disputes or motion practice. His Santa Clara University School of Law background also suggests familiarity with the local legal community and its norms. As a newly appointed judge, Heaberlin may be particularly attentive to establishing his courtroom's procedural expectations and may respond well to attorneys who proactively comply with local rules, meet-and-confer obligations, and scheduling orders. Demonstrating respect for the court's time through concise, well-organized filings and oral arguments is likely to be rewarded. Avoid over-litigating minor issues, as a former partner who managed client relationships and firm resources will likely have little patience for unnecessary motion practice.

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  Research Commissioner-Era Rulings and Tentative Decisions

  Heaberlin served as a Commissioner beginning in 2023 before his formal judicial appointment. Any publicly available rulings, tentative decisions, or minute orders from that period may reveal early patterns in his legal analysis, procedural preferences, and case management style. Check Trellis, the Santa Clara Superior Court's online docket, and any available court records from 2023 to late 2024.

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  Confirm Current Courtroom Procedures with Clerk's Office

  As a newly appointed judge, Heaberlin's courtroom procedures — including tentative ruling practices, oral argument protocols, and scheduling preferences — may not yet be widely documented. Contact the clerk's office directly before any appearance to confirm current practices and avoid procedural missteps.

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  Review Rankin | Stock | Heaberlin | Oneal Practice Areas

  Understanding the primary practice areas of Heaberlin's former firm will help attorneys anticipate which areas of law he is most deeply familiar with and where he may have strong pre-existing views. Research the firm's focus areas to identify where your case may intersect with his expertise.

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  Prepare Concise, Well-Organized Written Submissions

  Given the absence of established ruling patterns, high-quality written briefs are your most reliable tool for persuasion. Ensure all filings are well-organized, cite controlling authority, and directly address counterarguments. A judge still establishing his judicial identity is more likely to rely on thorough briefing.

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  Demonstrate Compliance with Meet-and-Confer Obligations

  As a former litigator, Heaberlin will be familiar with the importance of good-faith meet-and-confer efforts. Document all such efforts thoroughly and be prepared to demonstrate compliance if challenged. Failure to do so may draw negative attention from a judge who understands exactly what proper compliance looks like.

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  Monitor Local Legal Community for Emerging Observations

  Because Heaberlin is newly appointed, attorney observations and informal intelligence from the Santa Clara County bar will accumulate rapidly over the coming months. Actively network with local practitioners who have appeared before him to gather real-time intelligence about his emerging courtroom preferences.

• ›Arrive early and be fully prepared for all scheduled hearings — a former managing partner who valued efficiency is unlikely to tolerate tardiness or unpreparedness without visible frustration.
• ›Address the court formally and avoid overly casual language or familiarity, even if you know Judge Heaberlin from his prior practice in the Santa Clara legal community.
• ›Be concise during oral argument — do not repeat arguments already made in your written submissions unless specifically invited to elaborate by the judge.
• ›Confirm in advance with the clerk's office whether tentative rulings will be issued and what the protocol is for requesting oral argument, as these practices may still be evolving in his courtroom.
• ›Demonstrate genuine familiarity with opposing counsel's arguments and be prepared to address them directly — a judge with 25 years of litigation experience will expect you to have engaged seriously with the other side's position.