Hon. Paul D. Herbert (Ret.) is a distinguished legal professional with a rich background in the judiciary, known for his legal acumen, impartiality, and commitment to justice. With a legal career spanning more than four decades, Judge Herbert has earned a stellar reputation as a seasoned jurist and effective settlement judge, marked by a keen understanding of the law and a passion for resolving complex legal matters.
Judge Herbert began his legal career as a research attorney for the California Court of Appeal, First and Fifth Districts. Transitioning to private practice in 1986, Judge Herbert joined Ropers, Majeski, Kohn, Bentley, Wagner & Kane, eventually serving as Partner for over a decade. During his time there, he focused on handling a variety of civil case types including insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, appellate litigation, as well as plaintiff-side products liability and class action cases. From 2001 to 2005, Judge Herbert returned to the Court of Appeal as a senior appellate attorney for Justice Mark Simons. He resumed private practice afterwards, serving as a Partner at several firms where his work focused on business, employment, and insurance litigation. His diverse legal background encompasses extensive trial practice, appellate work, and a comprehensive understanding of both plaintiff and defense perspectives in civil litigation.
Judge Herbert was appointed as a Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court in 2013. During his tenure, Judge Herbert served in a variety of civil and criminal assignments, including five years as a Civil Direct Calendar Judge. In this role, he navigated the complexities of civil cases, honing his skills in managing diverse legal matters. Judge Herbert served over five years as an unlimited civil case settlement judge, where he assisted in the resolution of all types of civil cases except family law. As a settlement judge, he garnered a reputation for his strong negotiation skills, understanding of nuanced legal issues, and ability to guide parties to mutually beneficial resolutions.
In 2024, Judge Herbert retired from the bench and joined ADR Services, Inc. to serve as a mediator, arbitrator, and referee. Drawing upon his extensive settlement experience in the courtroom, he now focuses on fostering collaborative solutions and resolving disputes in all civil case types. Judge Herbert’s unique blend of legal expertise, interpersonal skills, and commitment to fair and efficient resolution, positions him as an invaluable resource for those seeking alternative avenues to settle disputes.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE
Judge, Alameda County Superior Court, Oakland, CA 2013-2024
Judge Herbert has served in a variety of civil and criminal assignments, including five years as a Civil Direct Calendar Judge in Department 20 and over five years as an unlimited civil case settlement judge, assisting in the resolution of all civil case types except family law.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Partner, Frassetto Herbert LLP 2011-2013
Principal, Of Counsel, Payne & Fears, LLP 2006-2011
Partner, The Louderback Law Firm 2005-2006
Senior Appellate Attorney, California Court of Appeal, First District 2001-2005
Partner/Shareholder, Ropers, Majeski, Kohn, Bentley, Wagner & Kane 1986-2001
Research Attorney, California Court of Appeal, First and Fifth Districts 1983-1985
EDUCATION
UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings College of the Law), J.D. 1982
University of Santa Clara Law School, Dean’s List 1979-1980
University of California, Berkeley, B.A. in Psychology, Honor Student 1977
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
HOBBIES
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