Introduction

After 35 years of trial practice representing both plaintiffs and defendants with approximately 100 jury trials, Mr. Horton transitioned from litigation to full-time neutral in 2004. His skillful approach to mediation employs his considerable knowledge and insight born from his litigation experience. With his calm disposition and interpersonal skills, Jay Horton has become one of the most sought-after mediators in Southern California. The Daily Journal has honored him as a Top Neutral every year since 2007. He is known for resolving matters involving complex issues, multi-parties with difficult dynamics, and catastrophic injury and death cases, particularly involving alleged medical negligence. One attorney commented, "Mr. Horton's analysis of the strengths and weakness of the case from several different positions was so accurate. He is one the most efficient and hardest working mediators I have ever worked with". One client commented, "His knowledge and insight into medical issues and litigation amazed me and my clients which earned his credibility and gained our trust. "He has been consistently effective each time he has mediated a case for my firm ."

Practice Areas

• Complex Litigation
• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Elder Abuse
• Product Liability
• Premises and Public Entity Liability
• Insurance Coverage

Hobbies & Interests

In his spare time, Mr. Horton is interested in finding more time to engage in Youth Activities and Sports, Creative Writing, Golf and Tennis.

Testimonials

"This was a very complex repressed memory case. Jay did his usual excellent job of getting it resolved, despite the complexity. "
- Attorney on a Professional Malpractice case

Legal Career

• Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2004-Present)
• Partner, Horton, Barbaro & Reilly (1977-2004)
• Partner, Trotter, Horton, Handweiler & Bahan (1976)
• Settlement Officer, Orange County Superior Court (1975-Present)
• Partner, Horton and Bahan (1974-75)
• Associate, Kinkle, Rodiger, Graf, Dewberry & Spriggs (1969-74)

Education & Professional Affiliations

• J. D., University of Southern California (1968)
• B. A., University of Southern California (1965)
• Mediation Certificate, Institute for Conflict Management (2003)
• Consumer Attorneys of California; Orange County Trial Lawyers, Member
• American Board of Trial Advocates, Member (1974-Present)
• Orange County Bar Association, Member (1971-Present)

Achievements & Awards

• Mr. Horton has been selected as one of Daily Journal's Top Neutrals in the State of California every year since 2007.
• He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. He was awarded “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Orange County Trial Lawyers (1999) and Orange County Chapter of ABOTA (1995), and the “Champion of Justice Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Orange County Trial Lawyers 2009.
• He was also President of the Orange County Chapter of ABOTA (1984).

Legal Experience

• Complex Litigation
• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Elder Abuse
• Product Liability
• Premises and Public Entity Liability
• Insurance Coverage