Retired Calif. Superior Court Judge Joins JAMS As A Neutral

JAMS has expanded its panel with the addition of Hon. John C. Gastelum (Ret.), a seasoned jurist who served 21 years on the Orange County Superior Court, including three years on the Appellate Division. Retiring in January 2025, Gastelum now joins JAMS’ Orange County Resolution Center as a mediator, arbitrator, special master, discovery referee, and neutral evaluator, available for both in-person and virtual proceedings.

Judge Gastelum brings extensive experience from presiding over hundreds of bench and jury trials involving business litigation, contract and partnership disputes, real property, and personal injury matters. He credits his judicial background, including 14 years on the unlimited civil panel, with shaping his balanced, fact-based approach to dispute resolution.

In statements to Law360, Gastelum described ADR as a natural next step and praised JAMS for its reputation handling high-profile, complex cases and for providing strong training and support. JAMS CEO Kimberly Taylor welcomed Gastelum, citing his deep roots in Orange County’s legal community and a reputation for professionalism and fairness.

Before his judicial appointment in 2003 by Gov. Gray Davis, Gastelum served as a lead research attorney for California appellate justices and earned both his J.D. and B.A. in economics from UCLA.

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Law 360