Appointment of Judge Alissa L. Bjerkhoel

Nevada County Superior Court is pleased to announce the Governor’s appointment of Judge Alissa L. Bjerkhoel to fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Candace Heidelberger. Judge Bjerkhoel will begin her service at Nevada County Superior Court on December 4, 2023 and will be assigned to the Nevada City branch courthouse. 

Prior to her appointment, Judge Bjerkhoel served as the interim director of the California Innocence Project (CIP) at California Western School of Law. She worked at the California Innocence Project since 2008, also serving as the Litigation Coordinator and as a staff attorney. Additionally, Judge Bjerkhoel served as a Panel Attorney for the Sixth District Appellate Program and for Appellate Defenders Inc. 

Judge Bjerkhoel is a native of Truckee, and earned a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.   

“I am thrilled to return to Nevada County, a place I have missed so much. I am honored and humbled to be appointed to this position and look forward to serving my community in this capacity,” Judge Bjerkhoel said. 

The Judges and staff of the court are pleased to welcome Judge Bjerkhoel to the Nevada County Superior Court and look forward to working with her. 

View the press release here.