Hon. William J. Howatt, Jr. (Ret.), in addition to his extensive experience presiding over a broad range of complex civil litigation, is highly regarded for his conflict resolution skills in all aspects of family law matters. He facilitates communication, encourages understanding, and focuses the participants on their individual and common interests. His kind, impartial, fair, ethical, and deliberate manner—coupled with his peacemaking abilities—make him popular with counsel and parties.
Judge Howatt joined JAMS following more than 27 years on the bench, with the last 19 on the San Diego Superior Court. He served as an Independent Civil Calendar Judge from 1998 to 2003 where he managed over 1,000 general and limited jurisdiction cases. He conducted jury and court trials, as well as law and motion and settlement conferences. From 2003 to 2006, he acted as Supervising Judge for Family Law for the San Diego Superior Court.
ADR Experience and Qualifications
- Completed training at the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, including the Divorce Mediation Training Course (2005) and the Collaborative Divorce, Level I, Interdisciplinary Team Training Course (2005); attended course on Financial Statements In the Courtroom (2005) by the National Judicial College in collaboration with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the National Judicial College 40-hour Civil Mediation Course (2006)
- In 1998, assigned to the Court of Appeal to conduct settlement conferences for cases on appeal, settling 19 of 41 cases assigned. Authored 12 opinions, two of which were certified for publication (Townsel v. San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board (1998) 65 Cal.App.4th 940; Galanek v. Wismar (1999) 68 Cal.App.4th 1417)
- As Assistant Presiding Judge of the San Diego Superior Court in 1994 and 1995, responsible for conducting de novo settlement conferences after arbitration
Representative Matters
Judge Howatt has presided over the following significant cases.
Family Law
Heard hundreds of Order to Show Cause matters during two Family Law Assignments (1987-1990 and 2003-2006) including domestic partnerships, child custody, move-aways, child and spousal support. Trials and other serious matters included:
- In re the Marriage of M. Larry and Jeanne K. Lawrence trial with division of assets and support involving former owner of the Hotel Del Coronado
- In re the Marriage of Broderick dissolution trial between Elizabeth (Betty) and Daniel Broderick involving distribution of property, child custody, and support issues. Ms. Broderick later convicted of the murder of Daniel and his new wife. [Affirmed by Court of Appeal]
- In re Sharon S and Annette F dissolution involving domestic partners, child custody, support, and visitation issues
- In re Adams and Flaska, dissolution of a domestic partnership; assisted in settlement
Political:
- People ex rel. Linden vs. Joel Scalzitti in Quo Warranto to determine qualifications for election to water district board
- Bonilla vs. Otay Municipal Water District and Rodriguez vs. Otay Municipal Water District concerning allegations of malfeasance in office by board members
- Frank, Foster, Davis, Carter, O’Connor and San Diego County Sheriff’s Association vs. Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board involving Writ of Mandate and Declaratory Relief regarding the authority of the Review Board to subpoena peace officers as witnesses at hearings of the Board
Lemon Law:
- Thompson vs. 10,000 RV Sales involving fraudulent credit practices in sales of motor coaches
- Rodriguez v. Daimler-Chrysler Corporation, Carl Burgers Dodge World involving a dysfunctional vehicle
- Dulansky vs. Kia Motors America, Inc. involving a dysfunctional vehicle
Special Civil Litigation
- Law Enforcement Plaintiffs vs. Cox Cable Telecom, Cox Communications and Pacific Bell regarding privacy rights of police officers
- AP-La Mesa vs. Pacific Church of Religious Science regarding breach of major leased space for church services and remodel of space
- Loshonkohl vs. Kinder where a police officer successfully sued an attorney-rental car owner for false reports of police misconduct
- Avalos v. Rancho San Diego-Nita Enterprises, Inc., Rancho San Diego Golf Course involving the death of an individual chased into traffic by groundskeeper’s Rottweilers; $12 million verdict for Avalos heirs
- Greg Distefano v. John Glenn Forester (2001) 85 Cal.App.4th 1249, decided on Motion for Summary Judgment involving determination of the extent and application of the Assumption of the Risk Doctrine
- Tabak vs. La Mesa-Spring Valley School District involving a claim for wrongful termination
Environmental & Property Rights
- Citizens Concerned for El Cajon vs. City of El Cajon involving allegations of CEQA violations by the City
- Liker et al. vs. The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mt. Helix Nature Theater et al. involving easement by necessity and prescription
- Neighborhood Alliance vs. Ramona School District, CEQA case involving the proposed construction of new elementary school site