Hon. Bernard Kaufman (Ret.) T: 310.203.8200 F: 310.203.8211

Since his retirement in 1994, following 19 years of service on the Los Angeles County Superior and Municipal Court benches, Judge Bernard Kaufman has been utilizing his experience and keen knowledge of the law to resolve all types of cases, as a mediator, arbitrator, judge pro tem and discovery referee. Judge Bernard Kaufman has resolved a wide variety of complex, multi-party disputes including business/commercial; construction defects; employment law, including sexual harassment and unlawful termination; health care; personal injury; family law; probate; professional malpractice and real estate. As an arbitrator, clients comment on Judge Bernard Kaufman's friendly temperament, thoroughness in reviewing submitted materials and his dedication and patience for reaching a just decision. As a mediator, Judge Bernard Kaufman is an accomplished professional who demonstrates exceptional intelligence, worldly knowledge and excellent interpersonal skills. He is known for listening attentively to the parties, keeping focused on the key issues and providing suggestions based on his own in-depth experience. Judge Bernard Kaufman has served frequently as a judge pro tem in family cases and has handled large matters as a discovery referee.

EDUCATION:

• (1953) LL.B., University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law

• (1950) B.A., Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles

• (1954) Admitted to The State Bar of California

JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE:

• (1987-1994) Judge, Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, Central District

• (1976-1987) Judge, Municipal Court, County of Los Angeles, Burbank Judicial District

• (May 31, 1994) Retired from the bench

LEGAL CAREER:

(1954-1976) General Civil Practice in Los Angeles for 22 years. He was a partner in the law firm of Gainsley, Winkler, Kaufman & Ward through 1975, specializing in transactional business and corporate matters, probate and family law cases. His clients included financial institutions, brokerage firms as well as employers and employees of retail and manufacturing companies.

ADR EXPERIENCE:

(1994-Present) Full-time mediator, arbitrator, judge pro tem and discovery referee.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

General Business, Commercial Contract, Construction Defect, Employment, Family Law, Health Care, Personal Injury, Probate, Professional Negligence, Real Estate, Fee Dispute, Homeowners‘ Association, Insurance Coverage/Bad Faith, Partnership Dissolution, and Products Liability.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS:

• Current Member: California State Bar; Los Angeles County Bar; Pasadena Bar associations

• Former Member: Numerous statewide committees on behalf of California Judges Association, Executive Board (1983-1986); Los Angeles Superior Court Executive Committee (1990 and 1991); Chairperson of Planning & Research Committee of Los Angeles Municipal Court; Board of Directors, California Judges Foundation

INTERESTS:

Swimming, Golf and Travel

AVAILABLE:

Throughout California

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