Introduction

Judge Crandall has had a distinguished career spanning over five decades, with the last decade serving on the Orange County Superior Court. Before his appointment to the bench, he spent a significant portion of his litigation practice focused on insurance defense. He was a partner at a law firm before founding his own practice, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants.

Having tried 164 cases to verdict, his trial experience and reputation for excellence earned him the prestigious rank of Diplomate with the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Recognized for his integrity, compassion, and civility, Judge Crandall received ABOTA’s George Francis Judicial Civility Award in 2017 as well as the Judicial Excellence Award by the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) in 2023.

He has always been well respected as a judicial officer and known for having thoughtful and detail-oriented rulings. As a scholar of the law and a seasoned legal professional, he is an exceptional addition to the private sector.

Practice Areas

• Cannabis
  • Cannabis Industry
• Employment
  • Wrongful Termination
• Insurance
  • Bad Faith
• Professional Malpractice
  • Professional Malpractice Legal
• Real Estate
  • Real Property
• Tort
  • General Negligence
  • Personal Injury
  • PI Auto

Experience Summary

Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. James L. Crandall, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.

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Hobbies & Interests

Judge Crandall stays active and competes in track and field events in the Masters division. He also enjoys flying airplanes and is an instrument-rated pilot. He especially loves spending time with his family; he and his wife have 7 children and 16 grandchildren.

Testimonials

"Judge Crandall's process was amazing. Not only was he informative but he was also very efficient. Judge Crandall's experience as a litigator and judge and demeanor make him a great and fair mediator."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto Case

"This was a fantastic result for our client. My clients were very happy with Judge Crandall. "
- Attorney on a Real Estate Neighbor Dispute Case

"We really enjoyed our first experience with Judge Crandall. We look forward to many more in the future."
- Attorney on a Construction Defects Case

"Judge Crandall has the perfect demeanor for handling emotional plaintiffs and stubborn claims representatives. He understands when to exercise his influence to get a case settled and has a good feel for the parties. "
- Partner at a Leading Nationwide Litigation Firm

"I always find Judicate West neutrals to go the extra mile. This was no exception. I have been before Judge Crandall before when he was on the bench. He is even more effective as a mediator."
- Attorney on a Business/Contractual Case

"Best new mediator in decades. Incredibly effective with both sides. Class act. "
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Dangerous Condition Case

"Judge Crandall did a great job with a tough case. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again."
- Attorney Listed on Best Lawyers in America

"Smart, tech-savvy, and efficient - Judge Crandall was an outstanding trial lawyer and judge and respected by both sides!"
- Past President of ABOTA-OC and Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyer

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Links and Articles

• Attorney at Law Magazine - Former Judge James Crandall: Notes on the Judiciary
• The Recorder - On the Move - May 2023
• Daily Journal - On the Move - May 2023
• Attorney at Law - Judicate West Adds Judge James L. Crandall to Orange County Neutral Roster - May 2023
• Orange County Register - Status Update - May 2023
• Judicate West Adds Judge James L. Crandall to Orange County Neutral Roster

Experience Summary

Legal Career

• Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2023-Present)
• Judge, Orange County Superior Court (2012-2023); Served on the Central Panel (2014-2016) and the Civil Panel (2017-2023)
• Founding Partner, Crandall, Wade & Lowe (1976-2012); Defended insurance companies in excess liability and bad faith claims
• Partner, Spray, Gould & Bowers (1971-1976); Specialized in Insurance Defense

Education & Professional Affiliations

• J.D., Loyola Law School (1970)
• B.A., San Jose State (1967)
• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Diplomate
• Orange County Bar Association, Member
• American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

Achievements & Awards

• Judicial Excellence Award, OCTLA (2023)
• George Francis Judicial Civility Award, ABOTA (2017)

Legal Experience

• Aviation
• Business/Contractual
• Employment
• Insurance Bad Faith
• Lemon Law
• Medical Negligence
• Personal Injury Including Sexual Assault and Wrongful Death
• Product Liability
• Real Estate Including Homeowners Association Law

Representative Case Information

• Cannabis
• Employment
• Insurance
• Professional Malpractice
• Real Estate
• Tort