Steve Lachs is a retired Superior Court Judge, who currently works as a private judge, providing mediation, arbitration, and other services to clients. He was appointed by then-Governor Jerry Brown and was the first openly gay judge in the country.

While living in Los Angeles for much of his life, Steve was a board member of the Gay and Lesbian Center for nine years; a board member for five years of AIDS Project Los Angeles, including a stint as Chair of the Board; and was the treasurer and board member for Congregation Kol Ami. He was a founder of MECLA, the first gay and lesbian political action committee in the country. Steve has also taught and lectured on various areas of law at law schools, judicial colleges, and professional groups.

Now living in Rancho Mirage with his partner of over 25 years, Steve serves on the board of his homeowners association and is a Commissioner on the Rancho Mirage Library Commission.