Tips from the Bench: Hon. Joel R. Wohlfeil

Judge Joel Wohlfeil is proud to serve the San Diego community as a judge; when you first enter his courtroom, this is evident. He has chosen to hang artwork in his courtroom which show important memories in his legal career. His chambers are filled with photographs of things he values including his family, his memorial to his father, and his legal career. One hallmark of his chambers is the Daily Journal article which featured him and his work ethic as a judge throughout his career. When you meet Judge Wohlfeil, you feel he values both his work as a judge and what he continues to do for the community.

Background on Judge Wohlfeil

Judge Wohlfeil started his legal career at Western State College of Law in San Diego. After graduating, he worked in private practice concluding his career with Boudreau, Albert & Wohlfeil. He enjoyed trying cases and was ultimately admitted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). It was not until this point in his career that he felt he was ready to submit his application for judgeship. Judge Wohlfeil feels every lawyer knows when they are ready to take the next step in their career, and for him joining ABOTA was what made him feel he had the credentials to be a judge.

Department 73

After being appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the bench, he started out in the family law court. His next assignment was to Civil IC and ultimately to department 73 of the San Diego Superior Court. Since his appointment, he has overseen hundreds of trials as a civil IC Judge. Judge Wohlfeil sets law and motion hearings as promptly as possible, usually in less than sixty days. While the parties may not have as much time to argue their motions, Judge Wohlfeil is confident he can better serve litigants to resolve disputes in a time frame which can actually serve a purpose in the litigation.

Oner of his most memorable case came in April 2021 after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Judge Wohlfeil was eager to have a jury trial in his department. The jury understood the importance of their role in providing access to justice. The jury had an artist on the panel who went out of their way to draw the bailiff and the jury. All the jurors signed it and left the drawing for the Court. He has framed the “Covid Jury (We Try Harder)” drawing in his department as a daily reminder that everyone “try harder.” 

Advice for Young Lawyers

Judge Wohlfeil’s advice for newer lawyers is just that: try harder. Irving Younger in a lecture once said be simple, be tactful, and be respectful (Irving Younger Cross-Examination lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBP2if0l-a8). If younger lawyers can remember this in their practice, they will go far. As evidenced by his IC court system, you can accomplish more in five minutes than you can in 30 minutes, as what you say in five minutes will be more impactful.