SAN FRANCISCO–Interim Administrative Director of the Courts Jody Patel today revealed the layoffs of 29 employees from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), bringing the total to approximately 190 positions that will be eliminated by the end of this fiscal year.
The additional phase of downsizing includes today’s layoffs, ongoing layoffs of contractors and temporary employees, voluntary separations, as well as retirements. As of June 30, the end of the fiscal year, the total number of AOC employees, including fulltime and part-time employees, contractors, and temporary workers is approximately 860.
“This is a distressing day for all us,” said Patel, “but especially for the dedicated public servants we had to let go. Unfortunately, given the current fiscal reality that affects all areas of the judicial branch, we were forced to make this difficult decision.”
“The layoffs came at every level of the agency—from entry level to senior positions,” said Patel. “Layoff decisions were based on business reasons; we are trying to balance the services we provide to the Supreme Court and courts of appeal, the trial courts, the Judicial Council, and the public.”
“Sadly, this is not the end of our staff reductions,” Patel said. “Additional workforce reductions will be necessary. They will provide critical savings to help manage budget cutbacks that need to be addressed for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1.”
