JUDGE JOHN J. GALLAGHER , (Ret.)

 

ADR EXPERIENCE & SPECIALTIES

Judge Gallagher is a very successful mediator enjoying a 100% settlement rate since he retired from the Sonoma County Superior Court in 1997. His broad expertise includes the areas of medical and legal malpractice, real estate, construction, complex probate matters, personal injury, wrongful termination claims, complex multiparty cases, insurance coverage, business litigation and product liability. He has heard numerous arbitrations and has served as discovery referee on several occasions. He also has substantial personal experience in investments and property management. Recognized as one of the most effective settlement judges in Sonoma County, Judge Gallagher brings intelligence, imagination, and diligence to his settlement approach. He is also proficient in the Spanish language.

• ON THE BENCH

Judge Gallagher was elected to an open seat on the Sonoma County Superior Court in November 1976. He served as Presiding Judge in 1980, 1985, and 1993. He was appointed to the Appellate Department of Sonoma County on three occasions by the Chief Justice. During his term in 1980, Judge Gallagher instituted a major effort to reduce backlogs by exposing every case on the civil active list to settlement conference and trial. In his 21 years on the bench, Judge Gallagher has heard every calendar and tried hundreds of civil cases.

• LAW PRACTICE

Prior to his judicial career, Judge Gallagher was a partner in the law firm of Gallagher and Gallagher, in Anaheim, CA, with a general litigation practice. From 1967 to 1976, he was with the Sonoma County District Attorney’s office.

• MEMBERSHIPS & SPECIAL HONORS

National Judges College Mediation certification - 1996; Extensive mediation experience as Superior Court domestic judge; Member of the California Judges Association and Faculty lecturer; Lecturer, Santa Rosa Junior College.

• EDUCATION

B.A., Loyola University of Los Angeles (1960)

J.D., University of Southern California School of Law (1963)

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

References gladly provided upon request