If confirmed by voters in November, Cantil-Sakauye would become the first Filipina American (and first non-white) to lead the state's judiciary and would give the California Supreme Court a female majority for the first time in its history:
The 50-year-old Cantil-Sakauye is something of surprise choice, given that her name has not been circulated much in recent days as the legal community considered George's potential replacements. But as the first Filipina who would take over as chief justice and with a long resume as a judge, she is unlikely to encounter much resistance as she goes through the nomination and election process.A three-member panel must still confirm Cantil-Sakauye before she goes on the November ballot for election to a 12-year term. That panel is composed of current Chief Justice Ronald George, appeals court justice Joan Dempsey-Klein and Attorney General Jerry Brown. More here: Chief justice nominee's rulings reflect no-nonsense approach.
She has been an appeals court justice on the 3rd District Court of Appeal since 2005, when Schwarzenegger put her on the court. She was a trial court judge in Sacramento for 14 years, and previously served as deputy legislative secretary for former Gov. George Deukmejian.
In addition, Cantil-Sakauye has administrative experience, which is important for the chief justice, who heads the state Judicial Council, the policy-making arm of the California court system. She is currently a Judicial Council member.