On August 10, 2026, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in Family Violence Appellate Project v. Superior Court, No. S288176, expanding access to electronic recording of trial court hearings when no court reporter is available. The court’s opinion recognized that a verbatim record of court proceedings can be essential to access to justice and that electronic recording represents an effective technology for meeting that need, particularly for indigent parties who cannot afford to hire a court reporter. The decision further expands upon access to electronic recording provided in general orders enacted by trial courts around the state.

Mark Yohalem, co-chair of Wilson Sonsini’s Complex Litigation practice, successfully argued on behalf of the Superior Courts of Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, San Diego County, and Contra Costa County as part of a representation that began in 2024. The Wilson Sonsini team also included Tomas Arriaga and Madelyn Chen.