Irvine, Calif. – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Hon. Kathleen E. O’Leary (Ret.) has joined its panel. Justice O’Leary joins following more than four decades of distinguished judicial service in California. Most recently, she served on the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, in Santa Ana from 2000 to 2025, including as presiding justice from 2012 to 2025.
On the appellate bench, Justice O’Leary presided over thousands of civil and criminal matters; authored roughly 2,600 opinions, including close to 200 published opinions; and was recognized for her deep knowledge of procedural fairness and constitutional rights.
Based in the Orange County Resolution Center, Justice O’Leary will serve as an arbitrator, mediator, neutral evaluator and court-appointed neutral (special master/referee), handling appellate, business and commercial, civil rights, government/public agency, employment, insurance, personal injury/torts and real estate matters. She is available to conduct sessions in person, as well as virtually, for clients across the country and internationally.
“Justice O’Leary is a trailblazer and brings a wealth of experience to JAMS on a broad range of issues. With an incredible judicial track record, she is well known for her pragmatism and leadership in high-stakes cases as well as her commitment to the California legal community. We are honored to have her join our accomplished panel of neutrals.”
Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president
Earlier in her career, Justice O’Leary served on the Orange County Superior Court from 1986 to 2000, including as presiding judge. Prior to that, she held roles with the West Orange County Municipal Court and the Orange County Public Defender. She additionally sat five times on the California Supreme Court as a pro tem justice.
Justice O’Leary has been widely recognized for her service to the judiciary and the public. She was named Jurist of the Year by the Judicial Council of California and received numerous awards for her leadership in access to justice, court innovation and the advancement of women in the legal profession. She has also been deeply engaged in judicial education and mentorship, serving as an adjunct professor, faculty instructor and advisor to various legal and civic organizations.
“My lengthy judicial career has convinced me that effective listening is a critical skill for a decision-maker. Hearing everything everyone has to say, and carefully considering that information, paves the way to a fair, just and correct result,” said Justice O’Leary.
Justice O’Leary received a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University and a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.
About JAMS – The Way Forward
JAMS is the world’s largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, handling more than 21,000 cases annually. With nearly 500 neutrals and 29 locations, JAMS delivers efficient, cost-effective and impartial solutions for business and legal disputes at any stage of conflict. Since its founding in 1979, its distinguished panel has included retired federal and state court justices, former litigators, transactional attorneys and other ADR professionals with deep industry and practice area experience. JAMS offers customized in-person, virtual and hybrid resolution services to provide a seamless experience through concierge-level client care, highly skilled case managers and advanced technology.
Building on this foundation, JAMS Pathways provides organizations with early conflict resolution, facilitation and training, helping teams prevent disputes before they escalate.
With a legacy of trust and innovation, JAMS helps parties find the way forward so they can focus on what matters most. Learn more at www.jamsadr.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and the JAMS ADR blog.