Hon. Kurt J. Nakamura (Ret.)

Before entering private practice, this neutral served for 22 years on the Orange County Superior Court, where he presided over more than 500 trials and conducted thousands of settlement conferences. His judicial tenure included assignments in the Civil Panel, where he managed a high-volume inventory of complex litigation, as well as roles in the Criminal and Family Law panels. Prior to his appointment to the bench in 2001, he spent 18 years in private practice as a civil litigator, specializing in insurance defense, business disputes, and construction law. He is recognized for his ability to resolve high-stakes matters involving multi-party disputes and intricate legal issues.

This neutral offers a deep reservoir of judicial experience from over two decades on the bench, making him highly effective for complex civil litigation and multi-party mediations. His background in both private practice and the judiciary provides a balanced perspective that appeals to both plaintiff and defense counsel.

Recipient of the ABOTA Judge of the Year award and former President of the California Asian Pacific American Judges Association.

He is widely regarded by legal professionals for his calm judicial temperament, thorough preparation, and persistent approach to settlement. Practitioners frequently note his ability to grasp complex technical details quickly and his effectiveness in managing emotionally charged disputes with patience and neutrality.