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Stephen J. Sundvold

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Orange County, CA, United States
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About

Stephen J. Sundvold serves as a neutral following a 20-year tenure on the Orange County Superior Court. His judicial career included presiding over the High-Complexity Civil Litigation Panel and serving as the Assistant Presiding Judge. Before his time on the bench, he spent 12 years as a trial attorney, handling diverse civil litigation matters including insurance defense and personal injury. He has presided over more than 1,000 trials and conducted thousands of settlement conferences across various legal disciplines.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Construction Employment & Labor Family Law & Divorce Government & Administrative Insurance Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
Judge
Orange County Superior Court
Supervising Judge
Civil Panel
Orange County Superior Court
Assistant Presiding Judge
Orange County Superior Court
Judge
North Orange County Municipal Court
Trial Attorney
Private Practice

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on civil procedure and trial practice for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)
  • Speaker at various Orange County Bar Association seminars regarding settlement techniques and litigation management
  • Contributor to judicial education programs focusing on complex litigation and case management

Positioning Takeaways

A veteran judicial officer with a high settlement rate in complex civil matters, offering deep expertise in Orange County litigation dynamics.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California

Education

J.D.
University of San Diego School of Law
1977
B.A.
Fullerton State College
1973

Distinction

Known for his extensive experience on the High-Complexity Civil Litigation Panel and his ability to settle difficult cases through persistent negotiation.

Reputation

He is widely regarded by legal professionals for his calm demeanor, thorough preparation, and deep understanding of complex legal issues. Counsel frequently note his effectiveness in facilitating settlements in emotionally charged or legally intricate disputes.

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