Judge Cheeks Delights with Candid, Practical Insights on Life and Career

Judge Cheeks and his chambers' staff: Monica Sullivan, Tara Velez, and Grace Tenbusch, along with San Diego FBA President, Kim Gregg.

On September 4, 2025, over forty-five members of the federal community

met with, listened to, and were dazzled by U.S. District Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks at the San Diego Federal Bar Association's ever-popular courtroom conversation series.

The room was electric from beginning to start—buzzing as attendees met one another and beaming as Judge Cheeks shared candid personal and professional stories.

The conversation began with Judge Cheeks introducing his chambers’ staff, each of whom (and Judge Cheeks, too!) shared a fun fact about themselves. One is a frequent Comic-Con panelist, another performed at an opera at age six, and another led a hip-hop dance group that performed during a Miami Heat halftime show. Can you guess which fact goes with whom?

Judge Cheeks candidly discussed his path to the bench, including his work as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, and shared what it was like during a senate confirmation hearing. Judge Cheeks conveyed best practices for appearing in his courtroom and urged practitioners to review his chambers rules. He also suggested that counsel to talk to one another before seeking court intervention as those conversations often lead to a beneficial resolution for both sides. The program ended on a high note with Judge Cheeks sharing his top three favorite songs and movies, much to the audience's delight!

Erika Oliver, Judge Cheeks, and Valerie Phan

The event was deftly moderated by two experienced federal litigators (and both former federal law clerks): Erika Oliver, a partner at Robbins Gellar Rudman & Dowd who focuses on complex securities litigation; and Valerie Phan, an associate at Mintz who focuses on complex commercial litigation.

The San Diego FBA thanks Judge Cheeks and his chambers staff for sharing their time with us, and Erika Oliver and Valerie Phan for moderating the wonderful conversation. Special thanks, as well, to the Chapter's VP of Professional Advancement, Melissa Holmes, for organizing the event.