From the Bench to the Table: Judge Stuart Rice on Civility, Complex Litigation, and Life at JAMS

In this conversation on the California Appellate Podcast, Judge Rice reflects on the lessons he learned presiding over complex litigation, his views on civility in the legal profession and his transition from judge to neutral at JAMS.

Drawing on his experience serving on California’s statewide civility task force, Judge Rice discusses how professionalism, respect and credibility can directly influence outcomes in litigation. He challenges the notion that aggressive behavior is synonymous with effective advocacy, arguing instead that civility is both a professional obligation and a strategic advantage. 

Additional key discussion points include:

• Why civility is a strategic advantage in litigation—not a weakness.
• The value of in-person court appearances and mediations in an increasingly remote legal environment.
• Approaches to managing and resolving complex, high-stakes litigation and multiparty disputes.
• Practical insights from Judge Rice's transition from the bench to his role as a neutral at JAMS.
• The importance of mentorship and fostering professionalism within the legal community.
• Judge Rice's leadership of the California Judges Foundation and the impact of the Adam Z. Rice Memorial Scholarship, which supports law students with financial need.

Listen to the full conversation below.