Hon. Read Ambler (Ret.)

T: 408-288-2240
F:408-295-5267
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Real Property
Judge Ambler has a special interest in real estate cases. He has resolved a large number of commercial and residential real property disputes as mediator, arbitrator, or private judge. As a private judge, he has tried a case involving a large hotel development project. He has arbitrated numerous fraud, failure to disclose, breach of contract, and other real estate cases. As a mediator, he is particularly skilled at working through the interpersonal disputes which often underlie real estate disputes, particularly between partners, family members, or long-time neighbors. When appropriate, he utilizes site visits to help resolve easement disputes and flood cases. Judge Ambler is recognized by San Jose Magazine as one of the top mediators in Silicon Valley.

Representative Matters

  • $1.5M Manager’s interest claim arising from sale of large Palo Alto, California commercial property
  • Action for rescission based upon the seller's failure to disclose testing in neighborhood homes by the EPA for toxic vapors emanating from soil and groundwater contamination
  • Actions in two counties for quiet title and declaratory relief re: ownership of the 15,500 acres comprising several contiguous ranches near San Luis Reservoir
  • Breach of contract, fraud, and specific performance claims brought by buyers against sellers of large commercial property on the river in downtown Napa
  • Breach of contract, fraud, and specific performance disputes involving the purchase and sale of large apartment complexes in Sacramento and Oakland, California
  • Dispute between partners in commercial development project in Capitola
  • Disputes between buyer and seller of large commercial property in Sacramento
  • Easement dispute between adjoining luxury homeowners
  • Eminent domain case involving nine coordinated actions relating to the construction of the new Benicia-Martinez Bridge across Carquinez Strait
  • Failure to disclose claims against seller and realtor involving lot size discrepancy, defective construction, and mold
  • Fraud and defective construction claims against unlicensed contractor
  • Fraud claims against seller of leaking, moldy $5 million ‘castle’
  • Palo Alto flood cases involving multiple plaintiffs, defendants, and lawsuits
  • Partition and waste claims in probate court among disputing beneficiaries concerning apartment building in San Francisco

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

  • Sedona Conference: E-Discovery Dispute Resolution Program for Special Masters & Mediators, January 2010
  • Recipient, official Resolution and Commendation, and the Certificate of Appreciation; both awarded by the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors, 2009 
  • President's Advisory Council, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, 2001-present
  • Professional Advisory Council, Learning Disabilities Association of California (LDA-CA), 2000-2002
  • ADR Profile: "As Neutral, Ex-Judge Relishes Human Contact," Daily Journal (Verdicts & Settlements), July 25, 2008
  • ADR Profile: "Long Tall Texan, Making a Difference," Daily Journal (Verdicts & Settlements), January 4th, 2002
  • Child Abuse Council of Santa Clara County, 1998-2000
  • California Legislature Resolution of Commendation, 2000
  • Law Foundation of Silicon Valley Founders Award, 1999
  • Legal Advocates for Children and Youth (LACY) Honors Award, 1998
  • California Judicial Council Court Technology Advisory Committee, 1997-1999
  • California Volunteers in Parole, Inc. Founders Award, 1995
  • Judge of the Year, Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers, 1991
  • Governing Committee, California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER), 1984-1986
  • Board of Trustees, Good Samaritan Hospital, 1976-1978
  • President, Santa Clara County Bar Association (SCCBA), 1977
  • President, Barristers Club of Santa Clara County, 1973
  • Outstanding Law Student Award, Santa Clara County Bar Association, 1968
  • President, Stanford Legal Aid Society, 1967-1968
  • United States Navy (LT (USNR) (R)), 1961-1965
  • Co-Captain, Dartmouth Heavyweight Crew, 1960
  • U.S. Olympic Trials (Rowing), 1960

Background and Education

  • Member, JAMS Board of Directors and JAMS National Arbitration Committee
  • Judge, Santa Clara County Superior Court, 1980-2000
  • Partner, Nichols & Ambler, 1975-1980
  • Shareholder, MacLeod, Fuller, Muir & Godwin, 1973-1975
  • Santa Clara County Public Defenders Office, 1970-1973
  • Morgan, Beauzay & Hammer, 1969-1970
  • LL.B., Stanford School of Law, 1968
  • B.A., Dartmouth College, 1961

Click here to download Judge Ambler's General Mediation Bio.