Introduction
Judge Papas brings the "pro" to professional. A former Federal Magistrate Judge for more than 18 years and now
enjoying his encore mediation career since 2009, Judge Papas brings unparalleled judicial and private sector experience
to each mediation; which is why, in his first year of private mediation, and every year since selections have been made,
he has been chosen by the Daily Journal and his peers as a Top 50 Neutral in California, has joined the ranks of Super
Lawyers and in 2014 was inducted into the International Academy of Mediators.
Those experiencing one of his thousands of mediations uniformly remark about his unpretentious and engaging yet businesslike
personality, meticulous and thorough preparation, relentless work ethic, limitless patience and extraordinary passion for
helping parties develop the necessary trust and framework to reach closure. From his groundbreaking practice of conducting
Pre-Mediation Conferences (PMCs), to preparation of final settlement documentation and OBTWs (ask him), Judge Papas appreciates
and takes into account the emotional, physical and economic impact of litigation on each party. He has used his broad private
practice and public servant experience to help influence parties and find closure across the spectrum of disputes, including
straightforward matters and those involving the most highly confidential and sensitive issues.
Among his many cases, he has helped parties find closure in the Chapter 11 San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese priest abuse
cases (http://tinyurl.com/Priest-Abuse-Cases), multi-party claims against the Coast Guard and United States arising out of
catastrophic injuries and death at the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (http://tinyurl.com/DeWeese-CoastGuard), claims
against the City of San Diego, SD Padres, SD Chargers and others regarding ADA claims against Qualcomm Stadium
(http://tinyurl.com/Qualcomm-SuperBowl), City of San Diego/DeAnza mobile residence multi-party (230 claimants) and class
action cases (http://tinyurl.com/City-DeAnza), the sad chapters resolving civil claims surrounding the historic Stephanie
Crowe murder (http://tinyurl.com/Crowe-Murder), the tragic 1983 excessive force/wrongful death case against Orange County
arising from police shooting (http://tinyurl.com/OC-Wrongful-Death), and Qui Tam claims involving a 14 year relationship
between the City of San Diego and Rural/Metro, its emergency medical services provider (http://tinyurl.com/City-Rural-Metro).
In addition, as a private mediator he has handled hundreds of highly confidential/sensitive matters, class actions and multi-party
complex matters as well as more than 200 employment related matters.
Judge Papas is an eternal optimist and believes every case can and should settle through mediation. One attorney who has
frequently utilized his skills echoes what so many others say, "Judge Papas is not just a great mediator but an exceptional
human being. He is always thoroughly prepared as he makes it his mission to resolve every case with the same enthusiasm and
tenacity as he did his last. His willingness to prepare and learn even the most complex subject matter is exemplary.
He is my mediator of choice."
Specialties
Hobbies & Interests
Judge Papas and his wife are travel enthusiasts --- visiting their son in New York, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren
in San Francisco and taking cruises to many foreign ports and exotic locations. The Judge also plays at golf and is a fan
of most other sports.
Testimonials
Judge Papas was an excellent listener; sensitive to our clients needs; understood the factual and legal issues.
- Attorney, San Diego, California
Judge Papas is very effective in explaining the options to the client and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of their positions.
- Attorney, Solana Beach, California
