Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Irene Lee
Current job title: Special Assistant, Deputy District Attorney
Age: 45
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: N/A
Campaign website or social media: ireneleeforjudge.com
What do you consider to be your judicial philosophy? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
My judicial philosophy is rooted in integrity and procedural fairness. I believe a judge’s role is to be a neutral in applying the law, while never losing sight of the real lives that come before the court.
For the justice system to work, it must be accessible. A judge should not only rule on a case but ensure everyone in the courtroom understands the process and feels treated with respect, even if they disagree with the outcome.
For most of my 18-year career, I have protected victims of domestic violence and child abuse as a deputy district attorney and deputy county counsel. This work has shown me how intimidating courts can be for those whose primary language is not English or those who have never experienced the judicial system.
I do not check my lived experience at the door. As the daughter of immigrants, I bring cultural awareness to the bench. Having practiced in both criminal and dependency law, I understand how these systems intersect for families in crisis. A judge must listen with humility. I will ensure a courtroom where the process is clear and justice is applied fairly to all.
How do you think your personal experience — legal or otherwise — would inform your decisions as a judge? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
A judge should be impartial but never detached. Having practiced in criminal, juvenile dependency and civil law, I understand that legal issues rarely exist in a vacuum.
My perspective is shaped by my journey as the daughter of immigrants. Growing up, I witnessed the vulnerability of those who cannot advocate for themselves due to language barriers or a lack of literacy in the legal system. In 2020, I was physically assaulted, and I experienced the criminal justice system myself as a victim. I know that it can feel lonely, scary and uncomfortable to have to share something so personal that happened to you very publicly. My assailant had mental health issues that were not adequately addressed, which could have helped him as well as future victims.
I will bring that understanding to my decision-making. My community service and work have reflected my love for Los Angeles. I have organized mentorship panels, hate crime reporting seminars and scam and fraud protection seminars for the elderly and immigrants. Knowledge and information are key to empowering our neighbors. I will ensure that accessibility, fairness and justice are the ultimate priorities.
How would you approach situations where you have judicial discretion within the law? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
I will not prejudge cases or people. I believe in public safety and fundamental fairness.
In sentencing, I will prioritize proportionality and balance. The law allows a judge to consider the gravity of the offense, the impact on the victim and the unique circumstances of the individual. I recall a case involving a mother struggling with addiction whose toddler wandered onto a freeway onramp. While she faced a prison sentence, I agreed to a referral to Women’s Reentry Court. This allowed her to address her addiction and reintegrate as a healthier parent.
As a crime survivor, I understand how overwhelming the justice system might feel. There are real people behind each case, whether it’s the defendant, victim or witness. It is essential that each person is treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
My background in juvenile dependency also informs my experience. I have seen how childhood trauma often manifests in the criminal system. While I will always uphold the law, I will use my discretion to ensure the sentence fits both the crime and the context. I will ensure my rulings protect our community while maintaining the integrity and humanity of the justice system.
How would you weigh your own personal beliefs against the law, should they conflict? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
The oath of office is a commitment to the law, not to one’s personal or political preferences. While the judicial canons prohibit me from prejudging any specific case, the law is the final authority. A judge’s role is to be an impartial arbiter, not a legislator. Regardless of my personal beliefs, I am duty-bound to apply the statutes as written by the legislature and interpreted by higher courts. Laws need to be followed, but I will exercise my judicial discretion where permissible, appropriately.
In my 18-year career, I have respected the boundaries of the legal system I’ve served. As a judge, I will maintain those same values, ensuring that every ruling is rooted in established legal precedent rather than personal opinion. This commitment to the rule of law is the only way to ensure a predictable, fair, and stable justice system for all Angelenos.
As an existing member of the legal community, how would you handle potential claims of misconduct against local attorneys, law firms or law enforcement organizations? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The integrity of our justice system depends on a judiciary that upholds the highest standards. My track record proves I have the courage to make difficult decisions, even when they involve colleagues or those associated with the legal system.
I value my professional associations, but as a judge, my first loyalty is to the law. As a board member for two community organizations, I have had experiences where I have denied requests for favoritism and have stayed mission-focused on doing what is right.
I understand that a judge’s true allegiance is not to a social or professional circle, but to the constitutions of the U.S. and the state of California. I take my oath of office to “well and faithfully discharge” my duties as a sacred trust. The public expects and deserves a judge who is immune to outside influence or “mental reservation.”
Furthermore, if I witness misconduct in the courtroom, I have an obligation to address it immediately and report it to the appropriate organization. Whether a claim involves an attorney, a law firm or law enforcement, my courtroom will be a place where the law is applied with absolute impartiality and without fear or favor.
What is your philosophy on judicial activism and a judge’s potential role in shaping or setting public policy? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The role of a Superior Court judge is to interpret the law, not to create it. Setting public policy is the responsibility of the legislature. The responsibility of the bench is to ensure that every individual who enters the courtroom receives a fair, unbiased experience guided by the rule of law.
While the idea of an “activist” judge may appeal to some, true justice requires a neutral arbiter, not someone with an agenda. When a person’s liberty, family or livelihood is on the line, they deserve a judge who prioritizes fairness and due process and constitutional protections over personal or political opinions. Relying on personal ideology over legal precedent undermines public trust.
However, judicial neutrality is not the same as judicial detachment. I will bring the sound judgment and global perspective I have earned over 18 years of public service in three different areas of law. My experience allows me to apply the law with the wisdom, empathy and common sense that Los Angeles County residents expect and deserve.