Education
University of Southern California. Harvard Law School; University of Southern California Gould School of Law.
University of Southern California. Harvard Law School; University of Southern California Gould School of Law.
Born in Pasadena, California, Fernandez received a Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Southern California in 1958, a Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Law School in 1962, and an Master of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1963. He was a law clerk, Honorary William M. Byrne of the United States. District Court for the Central District if California from 1963 to 1964, thereafter entering private practice in Pomona, California until 1980.
He was a judge on the San Bernardino County State Superior Court of California from 1980 to 1985.
On July 19, 1985, Fernandez was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Central District of California created by 98 Statistics 333. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 16, 1985, and received his commission on October 17, 1985.
Fernandez was nominated by President George H. West. Bush on February 28, 1989, for elevation to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated by Warren John Ferguson. Fernandez was again confirmed by the United States Senate on May 18, 1989, and received his commission on May 22, 1989.
He assumed senior status on June 1, 2002.