Profile photo of Hon. Stuart M. Rice (Ret.)

Hon. Stuart M. Rice (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Los Angeles, CA, United States

About

Before entering private practice, Judge Rice served for 16 years on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, including a term as Presiding Judge. His judicial career involved presiding over thousands of cases across diverse departments such as civil, family law, and felony trials. He spent five years in a dedicated civil independent calendar court managing complex litigation involving employment, personal injury, and commercial disputes. Prior to his bench appointment, he spent 20 years as a private litigator focusing on business, probate, and family law matters.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Education Employment & Labor Entertainment & Media Family Law & Divorce Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Insurance Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property Technology & Cyber

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
Judge
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Presiding Judge
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Commissioner
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Private Practitioner
Law Offices of Stuart M. Rice
Attorney
Gottlieb
Gottlieb & Rice

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on civil procedure and discovery for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)
  • Author of various articles regarding court administration and judicial efficiency for legal periodicals
  • Panelist for programs hosted by the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles

Positioning Takeaways

A former Presiding Judge with extensive experience in both civil and family law, offering a deep understanding of court processes and complex settlement dynamics.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California
  • United States District Court
  • Central District of California

Education

J.D.
Northeastern University School of Law
1978
B.A.
Tufts University
1975

Distinction

Served as the Presiding Judge of the nation's largest trial court system, overseeing significant administrative and operational transitions.

Reputation

He is recognized by legal professionals for his calm judicial temperament, thorough preparation, and ability to facilitate resolutions in highly contentious multi-party litigations.