Hon. Maurice Sanchez (Ret.)

Hon. Maurice Sanchez (Ret.) brings more than 40 years of legal experience to JAMS as a civil litigator, corporate counsel, trial judge and appellate justice. Having served as an advocate, client representative and judicial decision-maker, he offers parties a practical understanding of litigation risk, legal strategy and the business realities that often drive settlement decisions and case outcomes.

Justice Sanchez served on the California Superior Court before his appointment to the California Court of Appeal in 2022. As an appellate justice, he authored published and unpublished opinions addressing complex civil, commercial and public law matters. His experience on both the trial and appellate courts provides him with a unique perspective on the strengths, weaknesses and risks that shape disputes at every stage of litigation.

Before taking the bench, Justice Sanchez spent three decades in large and midsize law firms, primarily as a partner handling business and commercial disputes. He also served as in-house counsel for two major automobile companies, where he managed franchise and distribution litigation, contract claims, advertising matters, employment disputes and other high-stakes business controversies. His experience as both outside and in-house counsel enables him to evaluate disputes from the perspectives of litigants, business decision-makers and the courts.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Justice Sanchez is able to communicate directly with parties in either language. His bicultural background enhances his ability to build trust, foster effective communication and appreciate the cultural and interpersonal dynamics that can influence negotiations and dispute resolution.

Justice Sanchez serves as a mediator, arbitrator, referee and neutral evaluator. He is particularly well suited to business and commercial disputes, franchise and dealership matters, employment litigation, contract and statutory claims, and cases requiring sophisticated evaluation of trial and appellate risk. His combined experience as corporate counsel, trial judge and appellate justice makes him especially effective in matters where legal issues, business considerations and litigation strategy intersect.

Known for his thorough preparation, fairness and practical approach, Justice Sanchez works to build credibility with counsel and parties while keeping negotiations focused on realistic outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience in private practice, corporate legal departments and the judiciary, he combines legal rigor with an appreciation for the business and personal considerations that often shape successful resolutions. He is available to conduct proceedings remotely, in person or in a hybrid format, and he accepts matters nationwide.