Judge Mablean Ephriam

With over twenty years of experience behind her as a trial attorney and mediator, Judge Ephriam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the bench of Divorce Court. Divorce Court features real people, real conflict and powerful human drama in a compelling true-life courtroom setting where litigants abide by Judge Ephriam’s legally-binding decisions.

Judge Ephriam began her legal career as a correctional officer at the Women’s Division of the federal Bureau of Prisons, Terminal Island. To pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer, she accepted a job as a legal secretary while attending law school.

After five years as a Deputy City Attorney in Los Angeles, where she served as Domestic Violence Coordinator for spousal, parent and child abuse, she went into private practice emphasizing family law, personal injury and probate. She also serves as a Hearing Examiner for the City of Los Angeles, Civil Service Commission.

Formerly a member of the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar and State Bar of California Family Law Sections, Judge Ephriam is well known for her contributions to the Los Angeles legal community. Additionally, her commitment and dedication to community service in the area of family law has earned her many prestigious awards throughout her career. In 1993, the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles recognized her with the Distinguished Service Award for her numerous contributions as co-founder of the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, a legal assistance program that provides services to indigent persons in the areas of family law, guardianship and paternity. Judge Ephriam also received the 1995 Woman of the Year Award – California State Assembly – 48th District. The following year, the Los Angeles County Bar Association bestowed upon her the Spencer-Brandeis Award. The Harriet Buhai Family Law Center paid tribute to her with the Zephyr Ramsey Award for her many years of exceptional service to the community.