Interview with Orange County Commissioner for Superior Court of California HON. Bryan Clavecilla

Written By Niko Del Rey

At Kollective Hustle, we always strive to give a spotlight to the extraordinary heroes in our community who go above and beyond, representing our people to the fullest, and showing the world that we have earned our place at “the table”. I can honestly say, I would not be who I am today without Commissioner Bryan Clavecilla (Kuya Bryan) and his mentorship to me in my younger years, giving his time and effort to help me be a better man. From being one of my church youth leaders and investing in my well being, to now wanting to better and serve and invest his community as part of the judicial system, it’s a joy and an honor to see Kuya Bryan become the first Filipino male commissioner of Orange County. Court is in session as we sit down with Commissioner Clavecilla and how he got to where he is today.

1. Commissioner Clavecilla, can you give us a little background about who you are and exactly what your new role / duty is for the superior court of California?

After 16 years as a trial attorney and Sr. Deputy District Attorney/Asst. Head of Court, I have been appointed by the Judges as a Superior Court Commissioner in Orange County— the first Filipino American male to hold the position, and only the second Filipino American ever in the County. (The first Filipino American bench officer in Orange County is now a Judge, the Hon. Sheila Recio).

A Commissioner carries out subordinate judicial duties as allowed by law, under general direction of the Judge(s), mirroring the duties performed by Judges, including conducting hearings, making findings, and issuing orders in Civil, Criminal, Family, Child Support, Juvenile, Small Claims, and Traffic matters. As long as the parties agree, Superior Court Commissioners may serve as a Temporary Judge presiding over trials.

2. I was very privileged to grow up with you and be taught with you, so I am already familiar with your testimony. It’s such an inspiring story, can you give us a little insight about how your old life has led you to where you are today?

I feel just as privileged and inspired to have been an early mentor and friend to you and other young people, seeing (and literally hearing) the great things you have achieved since.

My old life is literally the story of grace and redemption. To go from a wayward teen caught up with the wrong crowd in the 90’s, who heard one simple message— that God loves me, still-- changed everything for me. With the second chance I was given, I would not waste it.

Starting with your group of young people, I committed myself to serving others to make sure I did all I could to help people find their gifts and passion to live up to their full purpose and potential. I’ve been helping people ever since.

3. In regards to your journey to Commissioner of the Superior Court of Orange County California, what was one of the biggest obstacles you faced along the way and how did you overcome it?

Imposter syndrome. The feeling that I really do not belong here, whether it was law school, the law office, or the court room: when you rarely see anyone else who looks like you, or grew up like you, in positions of authority such as a Judge, Commissioner, Supervisor, or Sr. Attorney, you start to question whether you really can do this because you don’t have a lot of examples of someone who looks like you to look to when the doubt sets in.

There is truth to the saying, “if they can see it, they can be it.” In Orange County, for most of my career, I saw little if any Filipino Americans in law school, my office (which is the largest law office in the County), or the Courts. So, I found and bonded with mentors and role models outside of my cultural heritage to learn how to navigate life as a trial attorney who cares deeply about serving the community.

4. What are a couple of common myths about your field of work that you want to debunk?

That there really is a bamboo ceiling for Asians/Filipinos in the legal field where we can only achieve limited positions of prominence or success in the law, therefore we should not waste our time trying. The truth is we can and have achieved as much as we are willing to put in the work to achieve.

For instance, the top ranking prosecutor in California is Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is Filipino. The first women of color to serve on the California State Supreme Court was the Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye, who is Filipina. The President of the National Judicial College, the first college for Judges in the Country, who was the first Asian Pacific Chief Trial Judge in US Military History, Benes Aldana, is also Filipino. In other words, the only limit to our potential is us. Do not self-select out from any opportunity you might be interested in. One of my Filipina mentors, Ruthe Ashley, a diversity pipeline guru in California, once taught me, “if not you, who and if not now, when?”

5. In moments of self-doubt, what do you do to build yourself back up?

For me, I fall back on 2 Tim. 1:7 and Psalms 27. With that in mind, there is nothing to fear, not even failure. Failure is never a period in my mind.

6. Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

I would have sought out mentors and maintained those relationships sooner. Having good mentors can make all the difference. It’s that proverb that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

7. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far ever since starting your career in the justice system?

Diversity of perspective matters to have a more fair and equitable justice system that reflects the rich diversity of our state and country.

8. What are the next goals / milestones you have your eyes set on? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to serve as a role model, leader, educator, and problem solver from the bench, inspiring more, ordinary people like us, early on in life, to pursue a career in law at the highest levels. I want to make sure I continue to serve my community so every person who appears in court feels and knows they were treated fairly, with dignity and respect under the law.

9. What does Hustle mean to you? What do you think the purpose is behind your hustle?

To Hustle is to focus on what could be instead of what has been. My hustle is about having the courage to trust God and go for it, fully, with passion, perseverance, and excellence in all things. My hustle is My Utmost for His Highest.

10. Advice for those that want to pursue their purpose or passion?

There is no day like today. One life to live with no promise of tomorrow. Find your passion, pursue your purpose, and persevere. But give yourself the grace to pivot.

I thought I was supposed to be a minister. Then I thought I was meant to be a doctor. Instead, I became a criminal trial lawyer. And now, I’m about to be sworn in as a judicial officer— a Superior Court Commissioner! Hustle. Find yours and go for it.

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Written By Niko Del Rey

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