Hon. Victor B. Kenton (Ret.) was appointed a Federal Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California in 2001, where he retired July 2015. As a Magistrate Judge, he presided over numerous trials and mediated over 500 cases, in areas including intellectual property, ERISA, ADA, IDEA and FAPE (education), civil rights, employment, wage and hour disputes, pharmaceuticals, complex business disputes, class actions, and commercial litigation. Prior to his judicial service, Judge Kenton was an attorney in both private and public practice, where he tried over 150 civil and criminal bench and jury trials to conclusion.
Judge Kenton has a passion for helping parties resolve disputes and has a reputation for his ability to engender trust from both attorneys and parties. He prides himself in being thoroughly prepared in advance of the mediation to ensure the parties get the most out of their session. If a case does not settle, Judge Kenton is known for remaining engaged and for his continuous follow-up efforts. One attorney on a complex business dispute commented, "Judge Kenton's insights, tenacity, and ability to think 'outside the box' are not only most formidable, but the reason our matter resolved. We could not have reached a resolution without him."
In his spare time he enjoys traveling, swimming, hiking, scuba diving and underwater photography.
"He read the briefs, spoke to each side AT LENGTH before the mediation, asked for fact checking, and was candid at the mediation. His comments were thoughtful and considered. One of my pet peeves about bad mediators is the failure to be attentive to parties' concerns, and the need to repeat everything each time the mediator walks into the room. Judge Kenton has a strong interest in getting cases heard, but is thoughtful and listens/processes what the parties tell him."
- Attorney on an ERISA matter
"After yesterday’s mediation, [my clients] expressed sincere appreciation for [his] patient efforts. They mentioned something about divine providence bringing [him] in to mediate our dispute at that moment. I didn’t disagree. I look forward to working with [him] again in the future."
- Defense attorney on a Business/Contractual dispute
"After our 1 day mediation with Judge Kenton did not produce a result, he remained engaged with the attorneys on both sides. Through a series of telephonic calls, emails, and text messages, he worked each side until a mutual agreement was finally achieved. Having practiced law for 30 years, and personally handling and resolving over 500 private and public works disputes during that time frame, Judge Kenton's insights, tenacity, and ability to think "outside the box" are not only most formidable, but the reason our matter resolved. We could not have reached a resolution without him. He is a consummate professional and you are all lucky to have him."
- Attorney on a Business/Contractual Dispute
"Just wanted to express to you how pleased I have been with your hard work on the cases we have been able to work on so far. I hope our 100% streak continues."
- Attorney on an Employment/Discrimination matter
"We thank [him] for all [his] hard work. Our clients were more than satisfied with the result. We appreciate [him] and everything [he] did to get the resolution."
- Attorney on a business/contractual dispute
"I appreciate your insightful questions and intellect that helped move this process toward a resolution."
- Attorney on a Business/Contractual Dispute
"[He] did great work bringing the sides together in a unique and very difficult triangle dynamic."
- Defense attorney on a Business/Contractual dispute
"Again let me express my thanks for conducting a thorough and thoughtful mediation. We appreciate your wisdom and understanding of the issues involved."
- Attorney on a Business/Contractual Dispute
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