HON. JAMES L. CRANDALL, RET.

Based in Orange County, available in All of California
Available for Mediation, Arbitration, and Private Judging assignments

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Introduction

Judge Crandall has had a distinguished career spanning over five decades, with the last decade serving on the Orange County Superior Court. Before his appointment to the bench, he spent a significant portion of his litigation practice focused on insurance defense. He was a partner at a law firm before founding his own practice, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants.

Having tried 164 cases to verdict, his trial experience and reputation for excellence earned him the prestigious rank of Diplomate with the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Recognized for his integrity, compassion, and civility, Judge Crandall received ABOTA’s George Francis Judicial Civility Award in 2017 as well as the Judicial Excellence Award by the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) in 2023.

He has always been well respected as a judicial officer and known for having thoughtful and detail-oriented rulings. As a scholar of the law and a seasoned legal professional, he is an exceptional addition to the private sector.

Practice Areas

Aviation
Business/Contractual
Employment
Insurance Bad Faith
Lemon Law
Medical Negligence
Personal Injury Including Sexual Assault and Wrongful Death
Product Liability
Real Estate Including Homeowners Association Law

Hobbies & Interests

Judge Crandall stays active and competes in track and field events in the Masters division. He also enjoys flying airplanes and is an instrument-rated pilot. He especially loves spending time with his family; he and his wife have 7 children and 16 grandchildren.

Testimonials

"Smart, tech-savvy, and efficient - Judge Crandall was an outstanding trial lawyer and judge and respected by both sides!"
- Past President of ABOTA and Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyer

Links and Articles

Experience Summary

Legal Career

Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2023-Present)
Judge, Orange County Superior Court (2012-2023); Served on the Central Panel (2014-2016) and the Civil Panel (2017-2023)
Founding Partner, Crandall, Wade & Lowe (1976-2012); Defended insurance companies in excess liability and bad faith claims
Partner, Spray, Gould & Bowers (1971-1976); Specialized in Insurance Defense

Education & Professional Affiliations

J.D., Loyola Law School (1970)
B.A., San Jose State (1967)
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Diplomate
Orange County Bar Association, Member
American College of Trial Lawyers, Member

Achievements & Awards

Judicial Excellence Award, OCTLA (2023)
George Francis Judicial Civility Award, ABOTA (2017)

Legal Experience

Aviation
Business/Contractual
Employment
Insurance Bad Faith
Lemon Law
Medical Negligence
Personal Injury Including Sexual Assault and Wrongful Death
Product Liability
Real Estate Including Homeowners Association Law

Neutral Profile