Judge Ernest M. Hiroshige

Judge Ernest M. Hiroshige serves at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Stanley Mosk Courthouse. The most significant documented fact about his judicial conduct is a public admonishment issued by the California Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP) in October 2018, specifically for having his clerk perform his judicial work. This is a formal disciplinary action on record, not an allegation, and it reflects a verified lapse in the personal exercise of judicial duties. Attorneys should be aware that this admonishment is part of the public record and represents a concrete finding by the CJP. In July 2018, Judge Hiroshige presided over a high-profile matter involving a sealed lawsuit filed by ex-Playboy model Shera Bechard against Trump fundraiser Elliott Broidy, in which he declined to unseal the case. This ruling attracted national media attention and demonstrates his willingness to maintain sealing orders in sensitive, publicly scrutinized matters. In July 2024, he issued a ruling establishing explicit rules to prevent courtroom violations and sanctions, signaling an active focus on procedural order and compliance within his courtroom. The combination of the CJP admonishment and the 2024 sanctions-focused ruling presents a complex picture: a judge who has faced formal discipline for procedural delegation, yet who has also taken affirmative steps to enforce courtroom rules and compliance standards. Attorneys appearing before Judge Hiroshige should treat procedural compliance and courtroom decorum as non-negotiable priorities.

Given Judge Hiroshige's 2024 ruling establishing explicit rules to prevent courtroom violations and sanctions, attorneys must arrive fully prepared on procedural compliance. His issuance of a formal set of courtroom rules indicates he enforces standards actively and is prepared to impose sanctions for violations. Review any standing orders or local rules specific to his department before any appearance, and ensure all filings, deadlines, and courtroom conduct conform strictly to those rules. In matters involving sealing or confidentiality, Judge Hiroshige's 2018 ruling in the Bechard v. Broidy matter demonstrates that he has upheld sealing orders even under significant public and media pressure. Attorneys seeking to maintain confidentiality protections can point to this precedent as a data point, while attorneys seeking to unseal records should anticipate a judge who has shown willingness to resist such requests in high-profile circumstances. The CJP admonishment from 2018 is public record and may be relevant context when evaluating the authenticity and personal engagement of judicial rulings from that period. Since the admonishment, his documented conduct — including the 2024 sanctions ruling — reflects personal judicial engagement on procedural matters. Attorneys should not reference the CJP matter in court, but should understand it as background context for evaluating his judicial record.

• critical

  Review Judge Hiroshige's 2024 Courtroom Rules Order

  Obtain and thoroughly review the July 2024 ruling in which Judge Hiroshige established explicit rules to prevent courtroom violations and sanctions. Compliance with these rules is directly tied to avoiding sanctions in his courtroom.

• critical

  Audit All Filings for Procedural Compliance

  Given his documented focus on courtroom order and his issuance of a sanctions-related ruling, ensure every filing, deadline, and procedural step meets the requirements of his standing orders and the California Rules of Court before submission.

• important

  Research Sealing and Confidentiality Standards in His Department

  If your matter involves sealed records or confidentiality motions, review the Bechard v. Broidy matter as a reference point. Prepare arguments that address the specific legal standards he applied in declining to unseal that case.

• important

  Obtain Current Department-Specific Standing Orders

  Retrieve the most current standing orders for Judge Hiroshige's department from the Los Angeles Superior Court website or clerk's office. His 2024 conduct indicates he enforces department-specific rules actively.

• Nice

  Confirm All Courtroom Conduct Protocols in Advance

  Contact the clerk's office to confirm any specific courtroom protocols, including technology use, appearance procedures, and scheduling requirements, given his documented emphasis on courtroom order.

• ›Strictly follow all rules set forth in Judge Hiroshige's July 2024 courtroom order on violations and sanctions — non-compliance carries a documented risk of sanctions.
• ›Arrive fully prepared on all procedural matters; his record reflects active enforcement of courtroom rules.
• ›Do not reference or allude to the CJP admonishment in any courtroom proceeding or filing before him.
• ›Treat all sealing and confidentiality orders with deference; his documented conduct reflects a willingness to maintain such orders under pressure.
• ›Ensure all deadlines are met precisely; his emphasis on procedural compliance indicates that missed or late filings will be treated seriously.