Introduction
In 2018, after 21 years of distinguished service for the Orange County Superior Court, Judge Colaw retired and currently serves as a mediator, arbitrator, and private judge. After 11 years on the General Civil Panel, Judge Colaw served for 9 years on the Complex Civil Panel, where he developed an unparalleled track record, presiding over a broad spectrum of challenging cases including employment class actions, construction defects, toxic torts, CEQA and other multi-party complex matters.
Judge Colaw is a long time active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)and Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL). He is the proud recipient of many judicial honors including several “Judge of the Year” awards from various organizations. Prior to serving on the bench, Judge Colaw was in private practice for 20 years representing both plaintiffs and defendants in all types of civil litigation. Judge Colaw, a United States Navy veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam, is an alumnus of the Santa Clara University School of Law, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Practice Areas
- Business/Contractual
- Construction Defect
- Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith
- Product Liability including Pharmaceutical
- Professional Malpractice
- All types of Personal Injury
- General Maritime Law
- Environmental/CEQA
- Class Actions
- Mass Tort
Hobbies & Interests
Judge Colaw is a sports enthusiast who yearly in autumn travels to college football meccas for big games with his brothers and sons. He especially loves all classical music, most jazz, some pop, enjoys photography, bicycling, the beach, cooking French cuisine with his spouse, and travel anywhere, although especially the USA and Europe.
Testimonials
"Judge Colaw was most hlepful in that he understood the issues and had a good sense of what needed to be done to reach a resolution"
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Construction Site matter
"Judge Colaw was great—I would definitely use him again. His understanding of the issues, approach to dealing with people, and demeanor were simply excellent. He is a rare find and I look forward to working with him again."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto Wrongful Death Matter
"He is a very well respected judge in the civil litigation field. His opinions have great weight not just with clients but attorneys as well."
- - Attorney on a Complex Business Contractual Matter
"Judge Colaw was fantastic; it was one of the better mediation experiences I’ve had. We did not settle the case on the day of mediation, and he continued to work with and for us, and we resolve the case a week later. I will, and already have recommended Judge Colaw to others."
- Attorney on a Medical Malpractice Matter
"Good listener. Effective listener & communicator. No sugarcoating – appreciated that. Quite likable."
- Attorney on a real property dispute
"He was respectful toward the process and my client.. she respected his opinions."
- Attorney on a Premises Liability Matter
""In my view, there is no substitute to having a retired judge serve as a mediator. And, in my experience, Judge Colaw is one of the most effective I have used. ”
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- Attorney on a Business Contractual matter
"Ten plus stars for everything. Thank you and Judge Colaw very much. Judge Colaw understood all of the issues and was very helpful. He understood the law and also communicated the opposing party's position perfectly. Everything was great. Judge Colaw had excellent eye contact with client and great communication over Zoom! Very well done, especially having to deal with remote mediation.
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- Attorney on a Business Contractual Disp
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