Los Angeles County Superior Court Offers $35,000 Buyouts to Employees Amidst Budget Shortfall
The Los Angeles County Superior Court, the nation's largest trial court, is offering a voluntary separation incentive program to eligible full-time employees. This program provides a one-time buyout of $35,000 to employees who voluntarily resign by Christmas Eve. The initiative is a direct response to a significant budget shortfall, with projected costs for the current fiscal year exceeding state funding by approximately $9.1 million. Since Fiscal Year 2020-21, the court's inflationary funding has fallen short of the state Department of Finance's calculated need by 13.1% cumulatively, amounting to roughly $88 million. The court's overall funding shortfall is estimated at $233.7 million, representing the resources needed to process 1.3 million annual filings. To be eligible for the buyout, employees must have at least five years of continuous service. Certain positions, such as court reporters, family court mediators, interpreters, probate investigators, and law clerks, are not included in the offer.