Hon. Maurice Sanchez (Ret.) Joins JAMS in Orange County

IRVINE, Calif. – JAMS, the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Hon. Maurice Sanchez (Ret.) has joined its panel. Justice Sanchez joins JAMS following more than 40 years as a civil litigator, corporate counsel, trial judge and appellate justice.

During his judicial service, Justice Sanchez served on the Orange County Superior Court and the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three. He presided over and decided disputes involving business and commercial, employment, franchise and dealership, contract, civil rights, construction, real estate, product liability, personal injury, family law, trusts and estates, and government and public agency matters. 

Based in the Orange County Resolution Center, Justice Sanchez will serve as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral (special master/referee) and neutral evaluator. He brings a practical, case-specific approach informed by his experience as outside counsel, in-house counsel and a judicial officer at both the trial and appellate levels. He is fluent in English and Spanish, and is available to conduct proceedings in person, virtually and in hybrid formats nationwide and internationally. 

“Justice Sanchez’s experience in private practice, corporate legal departments and the judiciary gives him a valuable understanding of the legal and business considerations that influence complex disputes. His thoughtful preparation, practical approach and ability to evaluate matters from multiple perspectives will help parties and counsel assess risk, examine options and work toward resolution.”

Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president

Before joining the bench, Justice Sanchez spent three decades in large and medium-sized law firms, primarily as a partner handling business and commercial matters. He also served as in-house counsel for two automobile companies, managing franchise and distribution litigation, contract claims, advertising matters and employment disputes. His private practice included leadership of a national distribution and franchise team. 

“My experience as a business litigator, client, trial judge and appellate justice provides a unique perspective on dispute resolution and allows me to help parties realistically assess risk and achieve practical, cost-effective outcomes,” said Justice Sanchez. “I’m thrilled to be embarking on this next chapter of my career as a JAMS panelist.” 

Justice Sanchez earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and his B.A. from the University of California, Irvine.

About JAMS – The Way Forward

JAMS is the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, with more than 500 neutrals across 29 locations. In 2025, JAMS received nearly 22,000 new case filings and handled more than 28,000 matters during the year. Founded in 1979, the organization's distinguished panel includes 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.

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.