Connected is the guiding principle Presiding Judge Groch announced for his term. 

“Connected is more than a theme,” Judge Groch said. “It underscores the importance of collaboration, communication, and trust throughout the court.”  

Over the next two years, Judge Groch will lead the San Diego Superior Court in the oversight and management of court operations, 154 judicial officers, nearly 1,100 employees, and a budget exceeding $220 million. He works closely with the Court’s Executive Officer and management team, alongside an Executive Committee of Superior Court judges, on which he has served multiple terms.

Judge Groch was appointed to the San Diego Superior Court in 2010 after nearly two decades as a San Diego County Deputy District Attorney. On the bench, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Criminal Supervising Judge and Assistant Criminal Supervising Judge, following earlier assignments in Family Law, Limited Civil, and Civil Harassment. He also chaired the Court’s Technology and Grand Jury Committees and led several major operational improvements, including the transition to a fully electronic eWarrant system and an online criminal court attorney check-in program.

Statewide, Judge Groch is a recognized leader in judicial education and technology. He has served on the faculty of the B.E. Witkin Judicial College since 2013, including terms as Associate Dean and Dean, and contributes to the CJER Supervising Judge Institute curriculum committee and faculty. Since 2015, he has been appointed to consecutive terms on the Judicial Council’s Information and Technology Advisory Committee. Judge Groch previously served on the California Judges Association Executive Board, including as one of its 2014–2015 Vice Presidents.

Judge Groch graduated summa cum laude from California Western School of Law in 1992 and has called San Diego home since 1989.

Judge Roderick Shelton now serves as Assistant Presiding Judge following his election to the position by San Diego judges in August 2025. Judge Shelton will serve a two-year term and work closely with Presiding Judge Groch and the Court’s leadership team in the administration of court operations.