JUDGE RICHARD H. BREINER,(Ret.)

 

ADR EXPERIENCE & SPECIALITIES

Although physically challenged as a result of a stroke, Judge Breiner's wisdom, thoroughness, knowledge of the law, combined with his extraordinary sense of humor, have provided the legal community with a much needed resource. His integrity, insight and unique ability to relate to people -"people skills"- are exceptional. Judge Breiner has particular experience in matters of personal injury, probate, insurance, family law, business, real estate, construction, land use, employment, discrimination, and medical & legal malpractice. Judge Breiner enjoys a full ADR practice utilizing all available formats, such as mediation, settlement conference, arbitration, Judge Pro-Tem, etc.

• ON THE BENCH

Judge Breiner has always been an advocate of ADR and was instrumental in the development of Marin County's successful Early Mediation Program. A large percentage of his time was devoted to successfully conducting settlement conferences. Judge Breiner was appointed to the Marin County Superior Court in 1977 and served as that Court's Presiding Judge in 1980, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1993. Judge Breiner was appointed to the Appellate Dept. of that Court by the Chief Justice for eleven years from 1978 through 1996, and was Presiding Judge of the Appellate Department in 1982 & 1984. In 1983, Judge Breiner sat on the Court of Appeal in San Francisco and on the California Supreme Court as pro tem justice by assignment of the Chief Justice. Since its inception, from 1992 until 1995, he served as Supervising Civil Fast Track Judge of the Superior Court.

• LAW PRACTICE

Before joining the bench, Judge Breiner had a private civil law practice in San Rafael, California, as a partner with Conn, Breiner, Birkie & Ragghianti. Prior to that, he was an associate in a small, general practice San Francisco law firm. As an attorney, he specialized in business, construction, family law, land use & zoning cases.

• MEMBERSHIPS & SPECIAL HONORS

Member: California, Missouri, U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Ninth Circuit, U.S. District Courts; Founding member, S.F. McFetridge Inns of Court: President, 1992 & 1993; Bench Master; Director, California Judges Association, 1984-1987: Vice-President, 1986-1987; Director, President, Vice-President, Secretary - Marin County Bar Association; Chair, Judicial Ethics Comm., 1989-1990; Chair, Code of Judicial Conduct Comm., '89 -'90; Recipient of the CJA President's Award in 1992

• EDUCATION

Attended Washington University (St. Louis), Univ. of Missouri, A.B. 1957, L.L.B., J.D. 1961 - Phi Beta Kappa; Law Review; Served as First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Active Duty 1957-1959.

References gladly provided upon request