Placer Superior Court announces appointment of new court commissioner

The Placer Superior Court recently announced the appointment of Mr. Leon A. Dixson of Rocklin as the newest court commissioner, effective July 29. Dixson fills a vacancy created due to the elevation of Judge Glenn M. Holley to the Superior Court Bench in March. Commissioner Dixson will be assigned to the Howard G. Gibson Courthouse in Roseville and the Historic Courthouse in Auburn, hearing multiple case types. Dixson will be leaving his role as regional counsel for Civil Rights for Legal Services of Northern California. His role included co-directing civil rights litigation and systemic advocacy, as well as advocacy for access to justice for lower-income Californians. During his 14-year tenure with Legal Services of Northern California, he co-created, managed and delivered intake and clinic programs that served 23 counties, including Placer. His experience as a staff attorney, supervising attorney and managing attorney included self-help and full representation to low-income individuals spanning many areas of law, including health, government benefits, housing and criminal-related litigation. Dixson has held numerous leadership positions in the Wiley Manuel Bar Association, including his current role as second vice president, and the Legal Aid Association of California, where he is the current chair. "We are excited to have Mr. Leon Dixson join the Superior Court of Placer County Bench," said Presiding Judge Alan Pineschi. "Mr. Dixson has a proven record serving low-income residents and visitors to Placer County and the entire northern state. His experience as an advocate for both individual cases and for systemic improvement to access to justice shows his dedication to those we serve." Dixson was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2011. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Non-Profit Management in 2006 and his Juris Doctorate, with a Master's in Dispute Resolution in May 2010, all from Pepperdine University.