Introduction
Justice Aaron brings extensive experience as a jurist in both the federal and state courts in San Diego. Most recently, she served as an associate justice on the California Court of Appeal for 20 years, resolving all types of cases filed in the Superior Court, including complex civil cases, probate disputes, and family law matters. Because of her extensive appellate experience, she is particularly sought after to conduct post-judgment mediations, assisting parties to assess the risks of pursuing an appeal and weighing those risks against the benefits of reaching a settlement. Justice Aaron has also been retained by appellate practitioners to participate in moot court presentations, to help them prepare for oral arguments.
Prior to her appointment to the Court of Appeal, Justice Aaron served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California for over eight years. She conducted hundreds of ENE conferences and settlement conferences in federal civil cases and was lauded by both the bar and the district court bench for her excellent interpersonal skills and exceptional ability to settle even the most contentious cases. The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation described her as an "acclaimed magistrate judge" and a "gifted mediator."
One colleague praised Justice Aaron as a "brilliant and hardworking jurist whose problem-solving skills are invaluable in resolving some of the most complex cases we hear." Justice Aaron applies those same problem-solving skills in assisting parties to arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution to their case, enabling them to avoid the expense, uncertainty, and stress of protracted litigation. She cultivates an atmosphere in which the parties feel free to fully express their concerns and know that they are truly being heard and understood. She is persistent in her approach, believing that reaching a settlement is always in the parties’ best interests.
Practice Areas
Experience Summary
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Cynthia G. Aaron, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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Hobbies & Interests
Justice Aaron enjoys international travel, spending time with family, participating in her book club, seeing movies, and hiking with friends.
Testimonials
"It has been a pleasure working with you and we are excited at the prospect of mediating another case in front of a true professional. Your now-proven reputation will always precede you as, without your tireless efforts, this matter would not have resolved. I will not hesitate to use and/or strongly recommend you in the future. We are appreciative of you."
- Managing Attorney at a Personal Injury Firm in San Francisco
"Justice Aaron, we think you did a great job. I have already referred you to my colleagues.
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- Attorney on an Insurance Coverage Case
"It was very nice to meet and work with you today. My client and I greatly appreciated your guidance and assistance in ultimately reaching a settlement today."
- Founder of an Award-Winning Law Firm with Offices in Southern California and Washington
"Justice Aaron has a wealth of judicial insight having served in multiple judicial positions. She is empathetic and sensitive to the plight of litigants pleading for a sense of fairness and equity in their disputes. Unless a mediator has the willingness to understand and address the needs of the parties, the mediation has far less chance of success. Fortunately, Justice Aaron has great empathy and knowledge, and we as trial lawyers are fortunate to have her willing to listen, advise, and mediate our clients' cases to fair resolutions."
- Twice Named San Diego’s Trial Lawyer of the Year
"Thank you for your efforts; you did great and have great mediation skills. I would not hesitate to use you again."
- Trial Lawyer with 40 Years of Experience in Corporate Disputes
"Thank you again for mediating this case. It was a pleasure working with you. The fact that we were able to come to a solution in this difficult case speaks volumes about your skill as a mediator. "
- San Diego Attorney on a Business Fraud and Misrepresentation Case
"I want to express my sincere appreciation for the kind and forthcoming manner in which you conducted the mediation in this matter. It meant the world to me and (my client) and I just wanted you to know that. Regardless of how this case turns out, (my client) left that mediation feeling respected, heard, and safe. Thank you."
- Attorney on a Sensitive, Sexual Harassment Case Against a School District
"Thank you so much for helping us resolve the case yesterday. I appreciate how prepared you were – you really understood the case. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and I hope to do it again soon!"
- Lead Attorney on a Premises Liability Case
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Links and Articles
