John H. Sugiyama

Hon. John H. Sugiyama (Ret.) entered private practice following nearly two decades of service as a judge on the Contra Costa County Superior Court. During his judicial tenure, he spent nine years as the presiding judge of the probate department and served as the court's presiding judge from 2015 to 2016. Before his appointment to the bench, he spent 25 years with the California Department of Justice, where he held leadership roles including senior assistant attorney general in charge of the multi-office state criminal appeals section. His extensive background spans complex probate litigation, appellate matters, and diverse civil disputes.

A highly respected former presiding judge with a dual mastery of appellate procedure and probate litigation, suitable for complex multi-party disputes and sensitive estate matters.

One of the few neutrals with deep specialized expertise in both high-level criminal appeals and complex probate administration.

Recognized by peers and professional associations for judicial excellence, particularly in the fields of probate and trust law, as evidenced by multiple 'Judge of the Year' style accolades from local trial lawyer groups.