Irvine – JAMS, the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Hon. Philip S. Gutierrez (Ret.) and Hon. Dean Pregerson (Ret.) were recognized by the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA) for their outstanding leadership, mentorship and service to the legal community. The recognition was presented during MABA’s Judges’ Night & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 18 in Los Angeles.
This marks the first time MABA has honored retired judges with this special acknowledgment, highlighting their lasting impact through the MABA Judicial Externship Program. Over the course of their judicial careers, Judge Gutierrez and Judge Pregerson each mentored more than 70 law students, helping guide and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
The event featured a video tribute from several of the judges’ former externs, who expressed their gratitude for the judges’ mentorship and lasting influence. The celebration also included remarks from past students reflecting on their experiences.
“Through their mentorship and long-standing dedication to the legal community, Judge Gutierrez and Judge Pregerson exemplify the highest standards of leadership and service. Their guidance, humility and generosity have left a lasting impact, and we are proud to have them on the JAMS panel.”
Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president
Judge Gutierrez joined JAMS as an arbitrator, mediator, court appointed neutral and neutral evaluator, bringing over 35 years of experience as a trial lawyer and judge. He served on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California from 2007 to 2024, including four years as chief judge, overseeing complex civil matters involving commercial, intellectual property and class action disputes. A founding member of the court’s Patent Pilot Program, he advanced efficiency and knowledge in patent litigation. Before his federal appointment, he served on the Los Angeles Superior Court and practiced law in complex business and professional liability cases. Known for his fairness and mentorship, Judge Gutierrez continues to bring insight and collaboration to his work at JAMS.
Judge Pregerson joined JAMS as a mediator, arbitrator, court appointed neutral and neutral evaluator, bringing nearly 30 years of experience as a U.S. district judge. Appointed to the Central District of California in 1996, he presided over thousands of civil cases and 80 jury trials, and sat on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, authoring multiple published opinions. Respected for his integrity, pragmatism and collaborative approach, Judge Pregerson is known for resolving complex, high-stakes disputes through practical and creative solutions. Drawing on his years as both a trial attorney and federal judge, he helps parties reach resolution efficiently and constructively.
More information about MABA can be found here.
About JAMS – The Way Forward
JAMS is the premier 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 judges, 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.
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