S.F. judge accused of sexism, bias against female attorneys wont hear case from his accuser

Judge Braden Woods faced a challenge to disqualify him from a case after Deputy Public Defender Diamond Ward accused him of creating a toxic work environment and making sexualized remarks. Ward recounted her negative experiences with Woods, stating he often berated her and made inappropriate comments about her attire. The San Francisco Superior Court, however, dismissed these allegations as "unfounded," despite a history of complaints against Woods from public defenders dating back to 2018. The Commission on Judicial Performance received a formal complaint about Woods but closed the case, stating there was no basis for action. Attorneys expressed concern that Woods' behavior not only impacts their professional environment but also delays defendants' cases, violating their right to a speedy trial.

Ward and her colleague Kathleen Natividad have described feeling intimidated in Woods' courtroom, with Natividad citing symptoms of PTSD from her experiences. Ward plans to continue challenging Woods if assigned to his courtroom again. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of female attorneys within the judicial system.