Hon. Maurice A. Leiter (Ret.)

Hon. Maurice A. Leiter (Ret.) brings to JAMS more than 40 years of experience as a judge, trial attorney, law firm partner and federal prosecutor. He offers an exceptional ability to identify and assess the key issues likely to drive a jury’s verdict or a judge’s ruling. Judge Leiter is known for his even-handed, thoughtful approach; careful preparation; and an engaged, collaborative mediation style to help guide the parties to resolution.

Judge Leiter served for almost 11 years as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, including more than nine years presiding over and resolving cases in a busy Independent Calendar civil courtroom. His docket and trial calendar included a wide variety of commercial, employment, personal injury, wrongful death, elder abuse, real estate, professional malpractice, insurance and construction cases. He also presided over environmental and CEQA lawsuits as well as asbestos and talc litigation in the court’s Complex Litigation Department, enhancing his ability to assess complex technical, scientific and medical issues. Judge Leiter meticulously prepared for motion practice and trial, and facilitated resolutions by addressing key legal issues and encouraging early settlement efforts.

Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Leiter spent more than two decades as a partner at Arnold & Porter LLP, where he served as first-chair trial attorney in high-stakes cases involving product liability, toxic torts and business disputes. He also advised companies on corporate compliance and responsible business practices to reduce litigation risk.

While he was in private practice, Judge Leiter’s commitment to justice extended to pro bono work, including class action litigation against the federal government seeking mental health treatment for federal prisoners, serving as deputy general counsel of the Rampart Independent Review Panel investigating the Los Angeles Police Department and serving on the board of directors of the Center for Civic Mediation. Judge Leiter also was honored by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California for his litigation work promoting gender equality.

Earlier in his career, Judge Leiter served for more than five years as an assistant United States attorney (AUSA) in Los Angeles, investigating and trying complex criminal cases. He focused on prosecuting financial fraud and government corruption matters. He was appointed assistant chief of the Criminal Division, teaching trial practice to other AUSAs.

Outside the courtroom, Judge Leiter is a longtime singer (baritone/bass) with Angel City Chorale and serves on its board of directors. He is proud of Angel City’s commitment to building community through music and to providing free music education to students across Los Angeles.