Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Sharee Sanders Gordon
Current job title: Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney
Age: 58
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Los Angeles
Campaign website or social media: ShareeSandersGordon.com
What do you consider to be your judicial philosophy? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
My judicial philosophy centers on fairness, community impact and principled neutrality. I view the law as a tool not only for resolving disputes, but for strengthening and protecting communities, especially those most affected by violence and instability. Grounded in my experience as both an educator and prosecutor, I believe justice must be practical, accessible and meaningful in people’s daily lives, not just an abstract ideal.
A judge’s role is distinct from advocacy; it requires careful listening, impartial analysis and faithful application of the law without bias. Every person who enters the courtroom deserves dignity, respect and a genuine opportunity to be heard.
My judicial approach is guided by core values: grounded temperament, objective judgement, respected integrity, decisive leadership, open-minded consideration and neutral application of the law.
Ultimately, my philosophy reflects that courts should mirror and serve their communities, and that justice is best delivered when it is fair, balanced and rooted in respect for all.
How do you think your personal experience — legal or otherwise — would inform your decisions as a judge? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
My decisions as a judge would be grounded in a lifetime of community service, both inside and outside the courtroom. Before becoming a deputy city attorney, I was a teacher in a community where I saw firsthand how violence and instability affect families and shape outcomes for young people. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the real-life impact of the justice system and the importance of fairness, accountability and compassion.
For over 25 years in the Los Angeles city attorney’s office, I have handled hundreds of cases and led programs focused on school safety and diversion. Those roles taught me that justice is not one-size-fits-all. It requires careful listening, thought analysis and a commitment to balance outcomes that protect the public while recognizing individual circumstances.
As a judge, I will ensure that every decision reflects a fair and neutral application of the law. My experience allows me to see the full picture, and that perspective will guide me in delivering justice that truly serves our community.
How would you approach situations where you have judicial discretion within the law? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
When exercising judicial discretion, I would be guided by both the law and a deep understanding of how decisions affect real people and communities. Discretion is not about personal preference, it’s about applying the law thoughtfully, consistently and with sound judgment.
My experience sets me apart. As a former teacher, I saw how early intervention and accountability can change lives. I have led programs focused on prevention and rehabilitation, including school safety and diversion initiatives. I have worked on the front lines, making decisions that balance public safety with fairness.
That background has prepared me to use discretion wisely, by listening carefully, weighing all factors and making decisions that are firm, fair and grounded in the law. I understand the importance of consequences, but also when rehabilitation and second chances serve justice and the community.
How would you weigh your own personal beliefs against the law, should they conflict? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)
As a judge, my duty is clear: The law must always come first. Personal beliefs have no place in the outcome of a case. Every person who walks into a courtroom deserves decisions based on the law, the facts and nothing else.
My entire career has prepared me for that responsibility. From teaching to more than two decades as a Los Angeles deputy city attorney. I have made decisions in real time that affect public safety and people’s lives.
I have worked in some of Los Angeles’ most impacted communities and led programs that reduced crime and improved outcomes. That experience has taught me discipline, fairness and the importance of putting the law above all else.
I understand that trust in our courts depends on consistency and integrity. Voters deserve a judge who has proven they can set aside personal views and apply the law fairly in the real world, not just in theory. That is exactly what I have done throughout my career, and it’s the standard I will uphold on the bench.
As an existing member of the legal community, how would you handle potential claims of misconduct against local attorneys, law firms or law enforcement organizations? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Allegations of misconduct must be handled with seriousness, fairness and complete impartiality. No one is above the law. At the same time, every claim must be carefully reviewed and supported by facts, not assumptions.
My career has prepared me for this responsibility. As a Los Angeles deputy city attorney, I have worked closely with law enforcement while also maintaining the independent judgment required to uphold justice. I have reviewed and filed hundreds of cases each year, where ethical standards, credibility and accountability are critical. That experience has taught me how to evaluate conduct objectively, follow the evidence and make decisions that protect both the integrity of the system and the rights of individuals.
As a judge, I would uphold the law and ensure due process. The Los Angeles community deserves a judge with real-world experience, proven judgment and the strength to hold everyone accountable while remaining fair and unbiased. That is exactly what I will bring to the bench.
What is your philosophy on judicial activism and a judge’s potential role in shaping or setting public policy? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
My philosophy is simple: A judge’s role is to apply the law, not create it. Public policy decisions belong to the elected legislature, not the bench. Judicial activism risks undermining public trust by placing personal views above the law.
Throughout my career, I have focused on doing my job the right way, applying the law fairly, consistently and with integrity. As a deputy city attorney for more than two decades, I have handled hundreds of cases and worked in communities where the consequences of legal decisions are real and immediate. That experience has reinforced my belief that judges must remain neutral, disciplined and grounded in the law as written.
That does not mean that a judge lacks impact. Every decision matters. But that impact should come from thoughtful, impartial application of the law, not from advancing personal agendas.
The Los Angeles community deserves a judge who respects the boundaries of the role, listens carefully and makes decisions based on facts and law, not ideology. My commitment is to fairness, accountability and equal justice for everyone who enters the courtroom.