In 2003, after practicing law for nearly 20 years, Judge Trapp was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to the San Diego County Superior Court, the third largest court system in the United States. Judge Trapp has been active in all aspects of her community. She is a past president of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and past regional director of the California Women Lawyers. Formerly, she served as a member of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Black Lawyers and Lawyers Club of San Diego as well as president for five consecutive years of the J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court. Judge Trapp was also Treasurer of the National Association of Women Judges and Chair of the National Bar Association Judicial Council. She currently serves on the Lawyers Club Advisory Board and as Chair of the Judicial Advisory Board of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers.