SACRAMENTO—Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday announced the appointment of Charles S. Poochigian as associate justice of the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District.
Poochigian, 60, of Fresno, has served as an attorney with Dowling, Aaron and Keeler since 2007. Prior to that, he served as a senator representing the 14th District for the California State Senate from 1998 to 2006 and assemblymember representing the 29th District for the California State Assembly from 1994 to 1998.
From 1991 to 1994, Poochigian served as the appointments secretary for Governor Pete Wilson and, from 1988 to 1990, he served as chief deputy appointments secretary for Governor George Deukmejian. From 1981 to 1988, Poochigan was a sole practitioner and, from 1975 to 1981, he was a partner for Vartabedian and Poochigian. Poochigian earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Santa Clara University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Fresno. He fills the vacancy created by the death of Justice Thomas A. Harris. Poochigian is a Republican.
