Hon. Gary L. Taylor (Ret.)

T: 714-939-1300
F:714-939-8710
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Hon. Gary L. Taylor (Ret.) has served with distinction for nearly 20 years on both the state and federal judiciaries where he presided over many high-profile cases. He enjoys a reputation as an exceptional jurist known for his integrity, patience, intellect, and ability to readily grasp complex issues. Counsel have described Judge Taylor as a judge who is always fair, extremely ethical, and issues rulings that have a sound basis in law.

ADR Experience and Qualifications

  • Presided over many high profile cases, including a variety of lawsuits with multibillions of dollars in controversy, during his 15-year tenure on the federal bench
  • Assigned to a wide range of general civil trials, including being a member of the expedited trial panel, and the law-and-motion calendar at the Superior Court
  • Specialized in business litigation matters during 20 years in private practice

Representative Matters

Presided over a variety of high-profile federal cases, including the following representative matters:
  • Billion dollar liability lawsuits stemming from the 1994 financial collapse of Orange County
  • Trial preparation in a multibillion-dollar fraud case against Broadcom Corporation Securities
  • El Toro Marine Corps Air Station reuse case
  • Federal “Same-Sex Marriage” and Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) constitutionality test case
  • Orange County District Attorney liability cases
  • Contested U.S. House of Representatives congressional election, Dornan vs. Sanchez
  • Various entertainment industry intellectual property disputes, including Milton Green Archives of Marilyn Monroe photos, “The Full Monty,” and “The Incredibles”
  • International ice skating champion Katarina Witt stalking case
Sample published federal trial court opinions include:
  • Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §3732(b)) “same transaction or occurrence” jurisdiction requirement is broad enough to include system or scheme of false claims. U.S. ex rel. Anthony v. Burke Engineering Co., 356 F. Supp., 2d 1119 (C.D. Cal. 2005)
  • Communication with prospective plaintiffs permitted in representative action for unpaid wages if before “opt in” and doesn’t undermine Court’s notice, Parks v. Eastwood Ins. Services, Inc., 235 F. Supp. 2d 1082 (C.D. Cal., 2002)
  • Fair Housing Act violated by apartment complex owner’s instruction to manager not to rent to minorities, Spencer v. Conway, 2001 WL 34366573, C.D. Cal., Jul 5, 2001

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

  • Named as one of the “500 Leading Judges in America,” by Lawdragon Magazine, 2005
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Alumni of the Year Award for public and community service, UCLA Law School, 1999
  • Franklin G. West Award, Orange County Bar Association, 1998
  • Board of Directors/Judicial Council, Constitutional Rights Foundation, Orange, County, 1990-2003
  • Board of Governors, Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Orange County, 1998-2002
  • Member, State Bar of California, Orange County Bar Association
  • Frequent author and speaker for continuing legal education, bar, and professional organizations
  • Received detailed training in CLE workshop "Net Profits and New Media: The Future of Entertainment Litigation"

Background and Education

  • Judge, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Southern Division, 1990-2005
  • Judge, Orange County Superior Court, 1986-1990
  • Business Litigation Partner, Wenke, Taylor, Evans & Ikola, Orange County, 1966-1986
  • Captain, U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, 1964-1966
  • J.D., UCLA Law School, 1963
  • A.B., University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 1960