Sacramento Superior Court Executive Officer Lee Seale was appointed Court Executive Officer in June 2021 following a unanimous vote by the court’s judges. Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Superior Court

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Sacramento Superior Court Executive Officer Lee Seale will retire on Aug. 1, following a career dedicated to law and justice.

Presiding Judge Bunmi O. Awoniyi made the announcement on July 25 and praised Seale’s leadership and contributions to the court.

“Lee Seale has been an exceptional leader, providing clear direction, meaningful support and fostering collaboration with our justice and labor partners,” said Awoniyi. “Under his guidance, the court expanded its capabilities, embraced innovation and improved access to justice for our community. It has been an honor to work alongside him and we wish him the very best in this next chapter.”

Seale was appointed Court Executive Officer in June 2021 following a unanimous vote by the court’s judges.

During Seale’s tenure, the Sacramento Superior Court saw both operational and service improvements, including a 30-percent increase in the court’s budget, providing new resources for expanded operations, staffing increase by approximately 100 employees and strengthening court services across all divisions.

Seale saw the launch of eCourt and electronic filing for Civil, Probate, Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer cases.

He saw the introduction of postcard jury summons and jury service text message updates to improve communication with jurors, restructuring of the Probate Division and expanded hours at the Carol Miller Justice Center to reduce case backlogs and improve public access.

Seale saw the creation of the Guardianship Assistance Program, in partnership with local law schools, to support self-represented litigants and the launch of a civil home court model, leading to a reduction in civil case backlogs.

He saw continued delivery of grant-funded mediation services in Unlawful Detainer and Small Claims cases during his tenure and the celebration of two milestones: the 10th anniversary of the court’s unique One Day Divorce program and the fifth anniversary of Civil Self-Help Services, as well as significant progress on the new Tani Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse construction.

“Lee has demonstrated strong leadership in overseeing and developing the court executive team,” added Awoniyi. “His steady and supportive guidance has had a lasting impact on our 700-plus court employees.”

Before joining the court, Seale served as Sacramento County’s Chief Probation Officer and held positions in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation under Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. He also served as a Special Assistant Inspector General, overseeing investigations and legal staff in California’s prison system, and worked as a Deputy Attorney General in the criminal division of the California Department of Justice, handling cases throughout the state and appearing before the California Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court.

“Serving as Court Executive Officer has been a rewarding role,” said Seale. “I am proud of what this court has accomplished and thankful for the extraordinary judges, staff, and justice partners who have made our progress possible.”

The court has begun a competitive recruitment process for its next Court Executive Office. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/SacCourtCEO.