Profile photo of Hon. Candace Cooper (Ret.)

Hon. Candace Cooper (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Neutral Evaluator Special Master
Los Angeles, CA, United States

About

Justice Cooper transitioned to private dispute resolution following a distinguished judicial career spanning nearly three decades. Her tenure included serving as the Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight, and holding positions on both the Superior and Municipal Courts of Los Angeles County. She has presided over thousands of cases across diverse legal sectors, including complex business litigation, employment disputes, and high-profile torts.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Employment & Labor Entertainment & Media Healthcare & Life Sciences Insurance Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Presiding Justice
California Court of Appeal
Second Appellate District
Division Eight
Judge
1999–2008
Los Angeles Superior Court
Judge
1987–1999
Los Angeles Municipal Court
Associate
1980–1987
Gibson
Dunn & Crutcher
1974–1980

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on appellate practice and civil procedure for the California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
  • Speaker at various programs for the Rutter Group
  • Contributor to judicial education curriculum for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)
  • Leadership roles within the American Bar Association and Los Angeles County Bar Association

Positioning Takeaways

Justice Cooper offers a unique perspective derived from her extensive experience at every level of the California judiciary, making her particularly effective for appellate consultations and complex multi-party mediations.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California

Education

J.D.
University of Southern California Gould School of Law
1973
B.A.
University of Southern California
1970

Distinction

She was the first African American woman appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court and later served as a Presiding Justice on the Court of Appeal.

Reputation

She is highly regarded by legal professionals for her analytical precision, calm demeanor, and ability to navigate emotionally charged or legally intricate disputes with fairness and efficiency.