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
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
"Understands trial and its pitfalls."
- Attorney on a premises liability dispute
"Although the case did not settle, Judge Colaw did a good job of setting up the case for a possible settlement in the future and was helpful in explaining the summary judgment procedure to my client."
- Attorney on a General Negligence case
""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
"Judge Colaw was wonderful. Despite the difficulties presented in the case, he was exceptional in the way he handled the parties and their expectations. Judge Colaw was very well-prepared and well-versed on the issues preventing settlement. I would trust any case with this neutral both now and in the future. "
- Attorney on a Construction Defects case
"Wonderful and effective mediator!"
- Attorney on a Product Liability Wrongful Death case
"I thought Judge Colaw was very good and I would definitely use him again. We were very impressed with the effort put in by the judge and how well prepared he was to understand each side's position."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Matter
"Very drawn out & difficult process, that was only solved by patience and determination."
- Attorney on a wrongful death matter
"It was unanimously agreed by all counsel on both sides that Judge Colaw was outstanding – simply outstanding. Extremely difficult and emotional case."
- Attorney on an Employment Sexual Harassment case
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