Judge Taylor brings over four decades of legal experience and a reputation as a fair, candid, and tireless jurist to his role as a neutral with Judicate West.
During his 20 years on the San Diego County Superior Court bench, Judge Taylor presided over 189 civil jury trials to verdict and hundreds more bench trials and settlement conferences. His decisions were affirmed by reviewing courts more than 170 times. From 2013-2017, he served as the Civil Supervising Judge. Before his appointment, he spent 21 years at an AmLaw 100 firm trying complex matters.
Drawing on this breadth of experience coupled with a diplomatic and detail-oriented approach, Judge Taylor offers parties deep insight into likely trial outcomes and helps them thoughtfully evaluate the benefits of resolving disputes outside of court.
- All types of Personal Injury
- Antitrust
- Business/Commercial
- Civil Rights
- Defamation
- Employment
- Insurance
- Real Estate
Outside of the office, Judge Taylor enjoys traveling with his wife and exploring various fly-fishing spots.
- Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2025-Present)
- Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego School of Law (2025-Present)
- Judge, San Diego County Superior Court (2005-2025); Civil Trial Assignment (2023-2025); Civil Independent Calendar (2008-2023); Supervising Judge, Civil Division (2014-2017)
- Attorney, Sheppard Mullin (1984-2005); Litigation Equity Partner, San Diego (1990-2005); Litigation Associate, San Diego (1986-1990); Litigation Associate, Los Angeles (1984-1986)
- J.D., magna cum laude, Georgetown University Law Center (1981-1984)
- B.A., cum laude, University of Southern California (1977-1981)
- Mediating the Litigated Case program, Pepperdine University School of Law (2017)
- San Diego County Bar Association, Board of Directors (2004-2005)
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Member (1988-Present); Board of Governors
- Welsh Inn of Court, Senior Master (2009-Present)
- San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Board of Directors (1989-1995)
- Judge of the Year Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (2019)
- Four-Time winner of the Wiley W. Manual Award for pro bono legal service
- Authored numerous articles for various publications including the Daily Journal and the CEB Civil Litigation Reporter
- Spoke on many panel presentations for ABA, ABTL, and SDCBA, among others
