Santa Barbara’s legal landscape is home to many famous professionals, but only few have a story as compelling as Judge Von T. Nguyen Deroian. From escaping war-torn Vietnam as a child to ascending to the county’s highest judicial roles. Her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and service. In this post, we explore her remarkable background, career milestones, judicial philosophy, and contributions to the community.
A Closer Look at a Rising Santa Barbara Attorney-Overview
Early Life: From Saigon to Santa Barbara
Von Deroian was born in 1975. Her parents fled Vietnam when she was just six months old. Her father served alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War. Their escape aboard one of the final boats from Saigon landed them at Camp Pendleton in Southern California.
It marks the beginning of a life built on courage and perseverance. She was raised in Southern California, Deroian’s journey speaks volumes about the immigrant experience and the determination to forge a meaningful path in a new land.
Education and Formative Years
Deroian earned an Associate of Arts degree from Allan Hancock College before pursuing a law degree. She was enrolled at Santa Barbara (and Ventura) College of Law, and worked as a civil-litigation paralegal. She gained early exposure to insurance-defense, construction-defense, and public-entity cases.
Although early on she considered a career as a public defender, internships with District Attorneys and a judge convinced her that she could better serve justice as a prosecutor.
Prosecutorial Career: Deputy District Attorney (2006–2017)
After graduating in 2006, Deroian joined the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. There she spent over a decade prosecuting a wide variety of cases such as juvenile crime, gang-related offenses, sexual assault, and more.
Her performance earned consistent praise for professionalism, resilience, and integrity from colleagues and the judiciary alike.
Transition to the Bench: Commissioner to Judge
Court Commissioner (2017)
In 2017, Deroian was selected as a Family Court Commissioner for the Santa Barbara Superior Court. In that capacity, she primarily handled child-support and restraining-order cases across multiple court locations.
Superior Court Judge (2018)
Governor Jerry Brown appointed her as a Superior Court Judge in June 2018 to fill the vacancy left by Judge Rogelio Flores. She was 43 at the time.
Upon assuming the bench in Department 11 at the Figueroa Division, her rich background from immigrant roots to seasoned prosecutor brought a grounded, empathetic perspective to criminal adjudication.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Assistant Presiding Judge (2025–2026)
In a unanimous election by her peers, Deroian was chosen as Assistant Presiding Judge of the Santa Barbara Superior Court, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
Committee Roles
She served in key capacities, including on the Court Executive Committee, Court Construction Committee, Court Security Committee, and the Central Coast Judicial Selection Advisory Committee appointed by Governor Newsom in 2020.
Judicial Philosophy
Deroian’s judicial philosophy emphasizes fairness, dignity, and understanding the full human context behind legal cases. Colleagues describe her as “even-handed, just, and fair” with both integrity and compassion. Criminal defense lawyers have noted her “humanistic approach” and ability to calm emotionally charged situations while keeping focus on the legal issues at hand.
Her own life journey from refugee to single-mother law student deepens her empathy and underscores her belief in the possibility of redemption and second chances.
Beyond the Bench: Personal Life & Interests
In her personal life, she enjoys time with her family including her husband, stepdaughter (then around 15), and her pug, Pancake. The warmth and authenticity she exhibits in court mirrors the groundedness she carries off-duty.
Why Does She Stand Out?
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- Inspirational Journey
Her story from wartime refugee to leading judge embodies resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice. - Proven Legal Expertise
Years as a prosecutor and commissioner gave her a deep, practical understanding of criminal law and courtroom dynamics. - Empathy Meets Rigor
She approaches cases with both sharp legal acumen and compassion, a balance rare in the judiciary. - Leadership Among Peers
Her peer-elected role as Assistant Presiding Judge underscores her respect and leadership within the bench. - Community Impact
Her active involvement in court committees and legal education reflects a commitment to institutional integrity and growth.