Israel Claustro is a seasoned trial lawyer who has leveraged his unique background, experience and skills to rise to a leadership position within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office – while simultaneously gaining and retaining the goodwill of the criminal justice community – by treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Born in the U.S. to immigrant parents with a third grade education from a small Mexican farming town, and one of 7, Israel grew up very poor in Pomona, California. Experiencing poverty and his parents’ valiant, unceasing efforts to stave it off during his formative years forged within Israel a powerful work ethic along with a resolution to succeed and give back to the community.
Seeking the new challenge of a judgeship, Israel believes his deep experience will enable him to adjust to the role quickly. In addition to his trial expertise, which will help with the nuts & bolts of managing a courtroom, the relationships and reputation for integrity he has built across the legal community – from the prosecutor’s office to the defense bar – will reassure all parties of fairness and independence in the courtroom. Israel’s background and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds will also help foster trust in the American justice system and demonstrates how our criminal justice system works with everyone’s participation.
