Irion had been a member of the appellate court since her appointment in 2003. Irion also had been a member of the Judicial Council — from 2024 through March of this year — and had chaired its Rules Committee.
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In 2025, Irion authored a unanimous opinion overturning San Diego’s attempt to remove the 30-foot building height limit from the Midway District, finding that the city abused its power by putting the question before voters without proper environmental analysis. Earlier this year, the California Supreme Court refused the city’s request to review the matter.
California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said in a statement earlier this week that Irion leaves “a remarkable legacy, having devoted her career to the fair and effective administration of justice.” She also praised Irion as “a tireless advocate for access to justice and civic education.”
“Our entire judicial branch is stronger for her dedicated service, insight, compassion, and leadership,” Guerrero said.
In a statement, 4th District Court of Appeal, Division 1 Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell said Irion was “an intellectual with a big heart. She cared deeply for those who appeared in court as well as for all of us who had the privilege of working with her on the many difficult cases she handled.” They worked together for several years — McConnell was nominated to lead the appellate court the same year Irion joined it.
Irion earned her undergraduate degree from UC Davis in 1974, followed by a master’s in public administration from San Diego State University. She returned to UC Davis, earning her law degree in 1979 and joining the bar later that year.
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She spent the next two decades in civil litigation, specializing in representing taxpayers before state taxing agencies and litigating tax and business matters in state and federal courts, according to the Judicial Council. She was with Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe, and in 1998 became a managing partner in the San Diego office. She was also a member of several legal organizations and was once the California state chair for the American Bar Foundation.
In 2000, then-Gov. Gray Davis appointed Irion to the San Diego Superior Court bench. Davis elevated her to the appellate court three years later.
Irion was part of projects and efforts geared at improving the courts and providing better access for people representing themselves. She also came up with, developed and led the Informed Voters Fair Judges project as part of the National Association of Women Judges, designed to educate people about the judicial system and its independence from politics and special interests. Guerrero said Irion’s leadership in the project “reflected her deep belief that an independent judiciary, understood and trusted by the public, is essential to a functioning democracy.”
According to the Judicial Council, outside of her legal work, Irion ran several half and full marathons, loved travel and pampered her dogs.
She is survived by her husband, John Seitman, two married stepsons and a granddaughter, and also survived by sister Mary Irion and brothers Bruce and Brian Irion.
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Services are pending.
