Judge Sarmiento is a distinguished former Settlement Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. During his 26-year tenure, he led hundreds of successful settlement conferences in cases across a broad span of practice areas such as general business commercial disputes, employment, malpractice, and personal injury. While on the bench, Judge Sarmiento implemented the first Santa Monica Court personal injury Civil Referee Assisted Settlement Hearing (CRASH) program where he personally participated in 10+ personal injury-related settlement conferences per week.
As a mediator, Judge Sarmiento is noted for his dogged determination and follow-up when a case does not settle on the day of mediation. He prides himself on being extremely diligent in his preparation for every matter he handles. He is also well known for his organization and skills in handling complex and high-stakes matters, for his thoughtful even handed approach and uncanny ability to break impasse with even the most staunchly opposing viewpoints. Many attorneys regard him as "professional, thoughtful, and decisive."
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Cesar Sarmiento, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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Judge Sarmiento is an avid surfer and in his spare time plays the guitar in a jazz band.
"Judge Sarmiento was very effective in getting the parties to address the issues and exchange
multiple offers."
- Attorney on a legally complex, general negligence dispute
"Judge Sarmiento was professional, knew the case, hit the issues, and resolved it for a fair amount. Would definitely use him again. My clients really liked him as well."
- Partner at a Prestigious, Nationwide Law Firm
"The case went well, and we are happy it settled. Judge Sarmiento did a great job. I have used him a few times, and have nothing but good things to say about him."
- Attorney on a Real Estate case
"Judge Sarmiento is a quick study, knows the law cold, and has a very practical problem-solving approach. He is also very friendly and easy to talk to. In our case, he was efficient and direct getting the parties to a resolution on a case I thought would never settle. I highly recommend Judge Sarmiento as a mediator. "
- Attorney on a Construction Breach of Contract case
"Judge Sarmiento was great. He thoroughly read the briefs and analyzed the case prior to the mediation. He was very effective and completely honest with how he valued the case and the evidence that both sides had presented. You could tell that he really wanted to help settle the matter for a fair and reasonable number. "
- Attorney on a Personal Injury case
"Hon. Cesar Sarmiento, Ret. is a very good mediator. He is no-nonsense. If you like hearing it straight with no sugar coating, then you will like his style. It was refreshing to have a mediator who was tech-savvy and well-versed in the facts of the case. "
- Attorney on a Premises Liability case
"Judge Sarmiento understood a complicated commission structure, recognized the unlawfulness of the structure under California law, and help negotiate a reasonable settlement under the facts of the case. He is personable and easy to work with. He is direct, no-nonsense, and looks for the heart of the case and probable outcome at trial."
- Attorney on an Employment Breach of Contract case
"While the main parties did not settle as new medical evidence came up, Judge Sarmiento did not forget about my client and we were able to reach an agreement that removed us from the case."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto case
1925 Century Park East
Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 310.442.2100
Fax :
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Ste 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213.223.1113
Fax : 213.223.1114
980 9th Street
Suite 2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.394.8490
Fax : 916.394.8495
402 W. Broadway
Ste 2400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.814.1966
Fax : 619.814.1967
1851 East First Street
Ste 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714.834.1340
Fax : 714.834.1344
2023.6.1.2rp
