Judge William R. Nevitt Jr. is stepping down from the San Diego Superior Court bench after 20 years of service, it was announced Wednesday.
Nevitt — described by those who appeared in his courtroom as gracious, courteous and levelheaded — was appointed to the bench in 1995 by then-Gov. Pete Wilson.
Nevitt spent his pre-judicial career in the private law sector. Upon taking his judicial oath, Nevitt presided over felony trials and juvenile proceedings. In 1999, he began more than 15 years in the Court's Civil Division.
"For two decades, the court, the lawyers and the community at large got the benefit of his ability and training — an officer and a gentleman — a talented man who delivered quality justice in a steady and consistent manner," said Presiding Judge David Danielsen.
A 1971 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Nevitt spent six years as a Navy helicopter pilot before entering law school. Nevitt said he has been very fortunate to have been part of the San Diego legal community for 35 years.
"The citizenry of San Diego County can be very proud of their Superior Court and can have great confidence in it,"
Nevitt said.
"It has been a privilege, an honor and a pleasure for me to have served the public in such a fine institution that is both exceptionally well staffed by such able and learned judges and such a dedicated and professional court personnel and also very well tended by such an able and professional bar. I will very much miss associating with these enormous pools of talent, erudition, dedication and courage."
Nevitt said he plans to pursue personal interests that he hasn't had time to do while on the bench.
