Introduction
Judge Minto retired from the Los Angeles Superior Court in March 2014, after more than 27 years of service. His most recent assignment included presiding over the unlimited jurisdiction civil department in Pomona where he handled almost every case type from the initial filing through trial. Such matters included medical malpractice, personal injury, business/commercial, construction, real estate, insurance and subrogation, professional negligence, and product liability. During his time on the bench, he conducted over 400 jury trials, and countless court trials and heard thousands of law and motion matters of all types. Despite the demands of his busy courtroom, Judge Minto would always make the time to conduct settlement conferences. One attorney commented, "Judge Minto worked very hard to settle our case and I am looking forward to working with him as a private mediator." Prior to his appointment, he was a partner at his own law firm with a focus on real estate, construction, family law, and personal injury. Judge Minto was also an associate at a large firm in Los Angeles, working primarily on insurance, construction, and antitrust cases. His background, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants, in addition to his judicial experience, allows him to easily identify the strengths and weaknesses in almost any dispute. His valuable perspective is instrumental when helping the parties overcome the roadblocks to settlement. He is best known for his strong work ethic, and infectious personality and is a true gentleman. He noted, "In over 27 years as a trial court judge, I saw so many cases go to trial that could have and should have been resolved. In many of those cases, the parties were disappointed, even shocked, with the results. I'm excited to now be able to help parties and their counsel avoid the risks, expenses, and delays of going to trial. My goal in each case is to bring closure to all sides."
Practice Areas
Hobbies & Interests
Judge Minto hobbies include jogging, boating, camping, construction and remodeling as well as spending time with his kids and grandchildren.
Testimonials
"Judge Minto was patient and goal oriented and impressed upon the parties the significance and importance of reaching resolution during the session. This was extremely beneficial and encouraged our client to continue with the process that day, as opposed to pushing for a second session and risking the momentum achieved thus far at the mediation. He was also creative in his proposal of a mediator’s bracket and ultimately a mediator’s proposal. The timing and manner of these proposals were helpful in that the parties had several opportunities to propose alternative offers and brackets before introduction of the mediator’s bracket and proposal. Judge Minto also did an excellent job of keeping the parties focused on the numbers, as opposed to discussions of highly emotional and disputed facts."
- Attorney on a Business Contractual Fraud Dispute
"Judge Minto understood the dynamic in place and worked to deal with it, eventually resolving the case."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto Dispute
"I really liked Judge Minto and he was a great mediator for our case."
- Attorney, Huntington Beach, CA
"Excellent demeanor and effort."
- Attorney on an Employment Breach of Contract dispute
"Judge Minto was excellent and we achieved a resolution in half a day on a matter that would otherwise have required a full day. "
- Law Firm Partner and Southern California Super Lawyer
"My clients and I were very happy and impressed with Juge Minto and how he conducted the mediation. We are pleased we were able to get it done. My clients and I agreed that should we have need for a mediator in the future we would absolutely be comfortable using Judge Minto."
- Attorney on a Business Fraud/Misrepresentation case
"Judge Minto was great and did not give up on settling the case when the parties gave up on settling. "
- Attorney on an Insurance Bad Faith case
"Judge Minto is a phenomenal mediator. I will certainly bring my next case
to him. Overall, I was very happy with this experience."
- Attorney, Los Angeles County, CA
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