Hon. Richard M. Aronson (Ret.)

Justice Aronson transitioned to private dispute resolution following a distinguished thirty-year tenure within the California judiciary. His judicial career included serving nearly two decades as an Associate Justice on the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, and over a decade as a judge on the Orange County Superior Court. Before his elevation to the bench, he practiced as a Senior Deputy Public Defender and worked as a civil litigator. He has presided over thousands of cases across diverse legal sectors, including complex commercial litigation, employment disputes, and high-stakes personal injury matters.

Justice Aronson is characterized by his extensive three-decade judicial background, offering parties the perspective of a seasoned appellate justice. His expertise is particularly suited for matters requiring sophisticated legal analysis, special master assignments, or appellate consultations where a deep understanding of judicial decision-making is critical.

One of the longest-serving justices in the history of the Fourth Appellate District, known for authoring over 1,600 opinions covering nearly every area of California law.

Legal professionals recognize Justice Aronson for his deep analytical capabilities and his composed, fair-minded approach to complex legal issues. He is frequently commended for his ability to facilitate settlements in emotionally charged or legally intricate disputes through a combination of judicial authority and empathetic listening.