Press release from the Humboldt County Superior Court:

April Van Dyke | Image via campaign website.

April A. Van Dyke was elected to the position of Superior Court Judge, County of Humboldt, in March 2024. She will be sworn in on January 3, 2025, and will begin her judicial duties in a family law assignment.

Ms. Van Dyke has worked in public defense for 14 years. After graduating from McGeorge School of Law, she devoted her career to advocating for those who could not afford an attorney. She acquired extensive trial and litigation experience throughout her career, some of which was spent as a public defender in San Joaquin County. In 2019, she moved to Humboldt County where she continued her dedication to public service as Deputy Conflict Counsel, prior to becoming a solo practitioner.

During her years of devotion to public service, Ms. Van Dyke worked on the California Public Defenders Association Legislative Committee for over two years. She also drafted SB923 which was codified in Penal Code §859.7.

Presiding Judge Kelly L. Neel stated that, “The Court is pleased to welcome Ms. April Van Dyke to the Humboldt County Superior Court bench. We look forward to continuing our commitments to our community and have every confidence that Judge-Elect April Van Dyke shares our dedication to the same.”

“I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful to Humboldt County for granting me the opportunity to serve as a Superior Court Judge. This is a responsibility I take on with great humility and a steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity that this position demands and deserves,” stated Ms. Van Dyke.