A Career of Service: Judge Stephen Pulido’s Enduring Impact on Alameda County
The ACBA is proud to recognize the Honorable Stephen Pulido as a 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient for his exceptional contributions to the legal community and unwavering dedication to access to justice.
Judge Pulido served on the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda from 2006 to 2024 and most recently served as the Supervising Judge of Family Law. He previously held this role from 2010 to 2014 and has presided over a Civil Direct Calendar department, Juvenile Dependency Court, and served as Chief Supervising Judge of Civil. His leadership and expertise have shaped multiple areas of the court system, benefiting both the legal profession and the public.
Throughout his career, Judge Pulido has been a champion for equal access to justice, particularly through his support of Legal Access Alameda’s court clinics. His commitment to pro bono efforts was recognized in 2013 when he received the ACBA Pro Bono Leadership Award for his dedication to increasing legal access for low-income residents. His work in Juvenile Dependency Court also earned him recognition from the East Bay Children’s Law Offices in 2009 for his commitment to foster children in Alameda County.
Beyond his judicial duties, Judge Pulido has been deeply involved in legal education and mentorship. He has been a Presiding Judge for the Philip Harley/Alameda County Mock Trial competition for over 20 years and is an active participant in the Judges in the Classroom Program, advocating for Civics education for students. His passion for legal education extends to his work with the ACBA/Alameda County Superior Court Civics Program. Judge Pulido has been an active member of the ACBA, frequently speaking on panels and attending events to engage with local attorneys and support their efforts to serve clients effectively. His commitment to both the court and the legal profession has left a lasting impact on Alameda County.
His service during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly impactful. In 2021, the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association honored him with a Special Recognition Award for “keeping jury trials alive during the pandemic,” ensuring that the judicial system continued to function despite unprecedented challenges.
Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Pulido practiced law for 28 years, specializing in Family Law. He was a sole practitioner and a partner at Browner, Pulido & Sheehan. His leadership extended beyond the legal field—he served on the Pleasanton School Board from 2003 to 2007, including a term as its President.
A UC Berkeley graduate (B.A. in Political Science, 1975) and UC Hastings College of the Law alumnus (J.D., 1978), Judge Pulido has dedicated his career to justice, education, and service. As he prepares for retirement, we celebrate his incredible legacy and the lasting impact he has made on the Alameda County legal community.
As Judge Pulido prepares for retirement, we celebrate his legacy of justice, service, and mentorship. Congratulations, Judge Pulido!