Hon. Philip Saeta (Ret.) T: 310.203.8200 F: 310.203.8211

Judge Philip Saeta’s knowledge of civil law and procedure, along with his settlement ability and his dedication have made him one of the outstanding neutrals of his time. Judge Philip Saeta's talent lies in quickly zeroing in on the pivotal issues that need to be examined for settlement or adjudication. The quality of his reasoning has earned Judge Philip Saeta a reputation as one of the most trusted arbitrators in Los Angeles County.

EDUCATION:

• LL.B., Stanford University Law School, Stanford, California (1957, Phi Bet Kappa)

• A.B., Stanford University, Stanford, California (1953)

JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE:

• Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court (1975-1991)

  • 1.5 years of law and motion and discovery

  • 2 years of family law

  • 3 years of Civil Fast Track including law and motion and discovery, civil jury and non-jury trials

  • 2 years Appellate Department (1979-1980)

  • 6.5 years general civil jury and non-jury trials and mandatory settlement conferences

    
    
• Judge, Los Angeles County Municipal Court (1964-1975)

  • 5 years of criminal assignments

  • 1.5 years of civil law and motion and discovery

  • 4.5 years of civil jury and non jury trials

LEGAL CAREER:

Associate and Partner, Private Civil Law Practice, Beardsley, Hufstedler & Kemble, Los Angeles, California (1958-1964)

ADR EXPERIENCE:

Arbitrator, Mediator, Settlement Conference Officer, Discovery and Accounting Referee, Umpire, and Private Judge in all civil, probate, and family law matters (1991-Present)

ADR TRAINING:

• Mediation Training, Dispute Resolution Services of the Los Angeles County Bar Association

• Advanced Mediation Training, Pepperdine University School of Law (Straus Institute)

• Mediation Training, Court of Appeal
  

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Complex Commercial Disputes, Entertainment, Professional Malpractice, Business/Contract, Products Liability, Personal Injury, Employment, Environmental, Family Law, Probate and Trusts, Health Care, Insurance Coverage, Construction, and Real Property/Estate

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS:

• Member and Chair, BAJI Committee, 6 years

• Member and Chair, California Judges Association Civil Procedure Committee (Vice President, 1986), American Bar Association (Division of Judicial Administration and its conferences), American Arbitration Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association (DRS Board 1978), California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)

• Former Member and Board of Directors, California Judges Foundation, New Judge Education Planning Committee, Municipal Court Judges Association of Los Angeles

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

• Adjunct Professor of Law and Lecturer, Southwestern University Law School and Loyola Law School, and California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) in fields of law and motion, jury instructions, civil trials and evidence

• Faculty, California Continuing Judicial Studies Program, California Judicial College, National College of State Judiciary

PUBLICATIONS:

Author and contributor to several pieces of new legislation and California Rules of Court

INTERESTS:

Skiing, Theater, Music and Playing the Piano

AVAILABLE:

Throughout Southern California; will travel to other areas upon request.

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