Biography
During his 20 years as a bench officer, Judge Cardenas tried court and jury trials involving construction defect issues to verdict. He was instrumental in developing new approaches to mediating construction defect cases such as bifurcating the roles of the Mediator and the Discovery Referee, as well as formulating new protocols to expedite the processing and settlement of cases.
Judge Cardenas has generated a new format for Case Management Orders that provides for less discovery, reduced disputes, and cost savings to all parties.
As a mediator, arbitrator, and Discovery Referee since 1996, Judge Cardenas has earned a reputation in Construction Defect Litigation for:
- Settling the vast majority of matters submitted for mediation
- Granting awards in arbitrations that reflect a philosophy of fairness and in-depth knowledge of the law
- Assisting the superior courts in complex litigation with scholarly reports and recommendations
- Actual or discovery referee and special master to assist counsel with CMO's and pre-trial disputes
- Granting awards in arbitrations that reflect a philosophy of fairness and in-depth knowledge of the law
Judge Cardenas is knowledgeable on related insurance issues such as coverage, exclusions, duty to defend, liability, subrogation, indemnification, additional insureds, excess coverage, risk transfers, allocation agreements, bad faith, and fair dealing.
Representative Mediations
- Cabinet, molding, flooring, tile, and other finish work matters
- Cases involving faulty electrical and heating issues
- Cases involving swimming pools, spas, fountains, decks, gazebos, fencing, and other landscaping issues
- Cases involving Uniform Building Code violations, engineering errors, structural weaknesses, defective plumbing, water seepage and leaks, drainage, catastrophic failure of retaining walls, and mold
- Commercial cases arising out of industrial and retail developments, such as warehouses, restaurants, and shopping malls
- Disputes arising from grading, paving, and concrete matters
- Disputes involving single family homes, condominiums, and farm-ranch facilities
- Matters involving large residential developments with issues from grading, to the completed structure
Representative Arbitrations
- Cabinet, molding, flooring, tile, and other finish work matters
- Cases involving faulty electrical and heating issues
- Cases involving swimming pools, spas, fountains, decks, gazebos, fencing, and other landscaping issues
- Cases involving Uniform Building Code violations, engineering errors, structural weaknesses, defective plumbing, water seepage and leaks, drainage, catastrophic failure of retaining walls, and mold
- Disputes involving single family homes, condominiums, and farm-ranch facilities
Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS.
- The only judge in Orange County to receive a commendation from the State Legislature upon his elevation to the bench
- Recognized as “Judge of the Year” by the Orange County Women’s Bar Association and the West Court Bar Association
- Winner of the Albert Schweitzer Award from the Orange County Grand Jury
- Received recognition for his contributions to the law by Loyola Law School and the Mexican-American Bar Association of Orange County
- Current member of the California State Bar
- Prior member of the California Judge’s Association
ADR Profile
- "Engendering Trust," Daily Journal, ADR Profile, January 5, 2018
- Judge, Superior Court, Orange County, 1980-1996
- Presiding Judge, West Court Operations, 1985-1996
- Judge, Municipal Court, North Orange County, 1976-1980
- Assistant and Presiding Judge, 1978 and 1979
- J.D., Loyola Law School at Los Angeles, 1968
- B.A., University of California at Los Angeles, 1965
Counsel Comments
- “This mediation was a wonderful experience. Judge Cardenas was very understanding and patient. I feel so relieved, knowing that there is an impartial 3rd party looking at these disputes.”
- Party involved in series of mediations with Judge Cardenas
News
Events
Practice Areas
- Arbitration
- Business/Commercial
- Class Action/Mass Tort
- Construction Defect
- Education/Schools
- Employment
- Entertainment and Sports
- Family Law
- Health Care
- Insurance
- Personal Injury/Torts
- Professional Liability
- Real Property
- Special Master/Discovery Referee
Locations
Available nationwide ›
Select to Print
Biography
Media
Additional Information
Disclaimer
This page is for general information purposes. JAMS makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness. Interested persons should conduct their own research regarding information on this website before deciding to use JAMS, including investigation and research of JAMS neutrals. See More