Photo by Gabriel Dillard

Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week his appointment of 12 Superior Court Judges, one of which is in Fresno County.

Melissia Baloian has been appointed to serve as a judge in the Fresno County Superior Court.

Baloian has practices law solo since 2023. She worked as a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Melissa Baloian from 2011 to 2022.

 

“I’m very humbled but I’m very honored to be chosen to be on the bench,” Baloian said. “I’m excited to join the bench but I’m very honored to serve the community this way.”

She said she has always been interested in the legal system and how it works. She mainly practiced criminal defense and prosecution.

Baloian said she originally thought she might get into law enforcement or the FBI, but she expanded her horizons during college, learning about the justice system its goal of fair treatment and representation of people.

She also served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Madera County District Attorney’s Office in 2011.

She comes from a farming family and is the daughter of Time Baloian, CEO of Baloian Farms.

From 2007 to 2010, Baloian worked as a Deputy District Attorney at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

She served as a Deputy City Attorney at the Fresno City Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2007, and also served as Deputy Public Defender’s Office from 2004 to 2006.

Baloian received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

She is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Adolfo Coro and is registered as a no party preference.

Baloian will meet with the presiding judge next week to solidify her start date.

“I was raised to work hard and treat people right and with respect she said. “That’s what I’m hoping to do—be respect of everyone in the court room and give them an opportunity to be heard.