Profile photo of Hon. Randa Trapp (Ret.)

Hon. Randa Trapp (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
San Diego, CA, United States

About

Following a distinguished 18-year tenure on the San Diego County Superior Court, Judge Trapp transitioned to private dispute resolution. Her judicial career included a decade in the Civil Division, where she presided over approximately 100 jury trials and managed a high-volume independent calendar. She served as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division and oversaw the court's asbestos department. Before her appointment to the bench, she spent nearly two decades as a litigator, including roles as a civil litigator, a prosecutor for the City of San Diego, and senior counsel for Sempra Energy.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Construction Employment & Labor Entertainment & Media Government & Administrative Insurance Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS (Present)
Judge
San Diego County Superior Court
2003–2021
Supervising Judge
Civil Division
San Diego County Superior Court
Senior Counsel
Sempra Energy
Deputy City Attorney
San Diego City Attorney’s Office
Private Practice Attorney
Adjunct Professor
University of San Diego School of Law

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent speaker on topics including diversity in the judiciary, civil litigation, and ADR strategies
  • Leadership role as President of the National Association of Women Judges
  • Contributor to educational programs for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)
  • Faculty member at the University of San Diego School of Law

Positioning Takeaways

A veteran jurist with extensive experience in asbestos and complex civil litigation, offering a deep understanding of both trial dynamics and settlement negotiations.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California

Education

J.D.
Georgetown University Law Center
B.A.
San Jose State University

Distinction

One of the few judges to serve as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division in San Diego, managing all civil operations for the court.

Reputation

Recognized by legal professionals for her balanced temperament, thorough preparation, and ability to navigate highly sensitive or emotionally charged disputes with patience and legal acumen.