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."

Practice Areas
  • Business/Commercial
  • Construction Defects
  • Employment
  • Entertainment
  • Family Law
  • Malpractice
  • Personal Injury
  • Probate
  • Real Estate
  • Sports
Hobbies & Interests

Judge Sarmiento is an avid surfer and in his spare time plays the guitar in a jazz band.

Legal Career
  • Neutral, Judicate West (2016-Present)
  • Mediator, Arbitrator (2014-Present)
  • Settlement Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • Organized and managed the first Santa Monica court personal injury Civil Referee Assisted
  • Settlement Hearing (CRASH) program
  • Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court (1993-2014)
  • Judge, Los Angeles County Municipal Court (1988-1993)
  • Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County (1982-1988)
  • Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County (1981-1982)
Education & Professional Affiliations
  • J.D., UC Davis School of Law
  • B.A., California State University, Northridge
  • Distinguished Jurist Award, Philippine American Bar Association (2015)
  • Santa Monica Bar Association, Member (2015-Present)
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.

Banking/Finance

  • Mediated an indemnification claim for misrepresentations, mistakes, and omissions in a dispute between a mortgage originator and a bank concerning the sale of a mortgage.
  • Mediated the settlement of a liquidating trust in a bankruptcy proceeding.

Complex Commercial

  • Mediated a multi-million-dollar dispute between investment banking firms over the right to commissions from the sale of distribution rights for an international beverage company.
  • Mediated a lawsuit over the fraudulent transfer of property involving millions of dollars, complicated by simultaneous litigation in multiple states and countries.
  • Mediated a partnership dissolution lawsuit involving a major law firm’s rights to profits from pharmaceutical litigation.
  • Mediated an action against a school district for unfairly advertising and charging for adult basic and secondary education classes.

Contractual

  • Mediated a contract dispute between a major sports franchise and its former head coach.
  • Mediated a breach of contract dispute between a movie camera designer-manufacturer and a Japanese distributor.
  • Mediated a dispute between consumers and an auto manufacturer regarding defective outboard engines.
  • Mediated a matter between a consumer and a luxury car dealership regarding the sale of a defective vehicle.
  • Mediated a dispute between a general contractor and a bank over a construction loan for a condominium project.
  • Mediated a dispute between a major Hollywood actor and investors over a new casino and hotel operation in Beirut, Lebanon.
  • Mediated a breach of warranty and breach of contract dispute involving the sale of a manufactured housing unit.
  • Mediated a dispute among members of an LLC over a commercial real estate investment.
  • Mediated a breach of contract dispute arising from a loan agreement with a borrowing party in the clothing manufacturing business.
  • Mediated a business dispute in which the plaintiff alleged breach of contract and fraud arising from the denial of a partnership in a company that sells and consults to customers in the pro audio, recording studio, and live sound production industry.
  • Mediated a dispute in which the plaintiff alleged she had entered into a contract to purchase a restaurant, while the defendant owner contended there was no contract to sell.
  • Mediated a tax dispute between a law firm and a city, in which the city alleged that the law firm had underpaid business taxes.
  • Mediated a breach of contract case between an aerospace parts manufacturer and a refraction company over the rebuilding of a furnace used in parts manufacturing.
  • Mediated a business dispute between an aerospace company and a robotics manufacturer involving a breach of contract over the suitability of a robotics unit for its intended task.
  • Mediated a virtual breach of contract case arising from a film production, in which investors sued the producer for fraud and sought the return of their investment.

Fraud/Misrepresentation

  • Mediated a business dispute involving breach of contract and mutual allegations of fraud, in a company that billed insurance companies on behalf of dentists.
  • Mediated a case in which the plaintiff sued the defendant for fraud and misappropriation of funds. The defendant, a money manager and investment consultant, had agreed to manage the plaintiff’s money.
  • Mediated a breach of contract and fraud dispute arising from the sale of an insurance business.

Lemon Law

  • Mediated a case involving a vehicle dealer bond issued pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 11711, in which the principal—named as the defendant in an interpleader action—refused to indemnify the surety for the amount of the bond.

Construction Breach Of Contract

  • Mediated a case in which a condominium owner sued her homeowners association for repairs to both common and private areas of the condominium complex.
  • Mediated a dispute in which a general contractor sued the owner over the construction of an apartment complex, arguing that the original contract had been abandoned and that he was entitled to recover an amount exceeding the guaranteed maximum price.

Construction Defects

  • Mediated disputes involving commercial, residential, and condominium projects across all trades.
  • Mediated a dispute over a 10,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills between the owner and the general contractor, including related cross-complaints.
  • Mediated a lawsuit involving a four-unit condominium project between the builder and the general contractor over delays and construction defects.
  • Mediated a dispute between a general contractor and a subcontractor hired to perform excavation, shoring, and concrete work on a condominium project.
  • Mediated a matter between a dentist and an architect over the planning, design, and construction of a dental office.
  • Mediated an indemnification action brought by a general contractor against subcontractors arising from construction on a Beverly Hills mansion.
  • Mediated a matter between a dentist and an architect over the planning, design, and construction of a dental office.
  • Mediated a lawsuit in which a comedy club sued a contractor over work performed on the building.
  • Mediated a professional negligence case against an architect.

Breach of Contract

  • Mediated an employment dispute involving a Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) claim against a national fast-food franchise.
  • Mediated a breach of employment contract dispute between an investment banking firm and an employee regarding equity interest in the company.
  • Mediated a case involving breach of the duty of loyalty and theft of trade secrets between a mortgage company and its president.

Discrimination

  • Mediated countless employment cases involving both small businesses and large national corporations, addressing disputes over discrimination based on gender, race, religion, and disability; sexual harassment; retaliation; wage and hour violations; overtime and misclassification issues; and pregnancy-related disputes.
  • Mediated a dispute involving breach of an employment contract and unlawful termination of an executive at a major special effects company in the movie industry.
  • Mediated a pre-filing disability discrimination with failure to accommodate matter between a credit card company and employee
  • Mediated a disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, retaliation, and wage and hour dispute involving an international airline company.
  • Mediated an employment discrimination case against a fast-casual restaurant chain, in which the plaintiff alleged that she was terminated because of her pregnancy.

Hostile Environment

  • Mediated a matter arising from an employee’s allegations of sexual harassment against a major metropolitan county office.

Sexual Harassment

  • Mediated an employment wage and hour case involving allegations of sexual assault.
  • Mediated a sexual harassment case arising from a dentist’s office, with additional claims of gender discrimination made by multiple employees.
  • Mediated an employment case in which the plaintiff alleged discrimination, unlawful termination based on pregnancy, and sexual harassment.
  • Mediated an employment case involving sexual assault, sexual harassment, and a hostile work environment.

Wage and Hour

  • Mediated an employment case involving issues of worker classification (independent contractor vs. employee) and disputed commission payments.
  • Mediated numerous employment disputes for small businesses and national corporations, involving discrimination (gender, race, religion, disability), sexual harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, overtime, misclassification, and pregnancy-related claims.
  • Mediated numerous wage and hour disputes, including overtime and meal/rest break claims, involving national fast food franchises and retail chains.

Whistleblower Wrongful Term

  • Mediated a case involving allegations of wrongful termination for reporting fraud on a public transit project.

Wrongful Term & Discrimination

  • Arbitrated an employment case in which the plaintiff alleged constructive termination due to racial discrimination.

Wrongful Termination

  • Mediated a claim against a national retailer that resulted in a multi-million-dollar settlement.
  • Mediated numerous actions against national fast food franchises and retail chains, as well as a high-level wrongful termination dispute involving an executive at a major special effects company in the film industry.
  • Mediated a failure-to-accommodate and wrongful termination claim against a national retailer, resulting in a multi-million-dollar settlement.
  • Mediated a wrongful termination dispute based on pregnancy and disability against an insurance company employer.
  • Mediated an employment dispute involving the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) against a national fast food franchise.
  • Mediated a case in which the plaintiff, a caregiver for the decedent, sued the employing trust for unpaid overtime wages and related penalties.

Entertainment Issues

  • Mediated a breach of contract dispute between a movie camera designer/manufacturer and its Japanese distributor.
  • Mediated a dispute between a major Hollywood actor and investors regarding a new casino and hotel venture in Beirut, Lebanon.
  • Mediated a dispute involving the alleged unlawful termination of an executive at a major special effects company in the film industry.
  • Mediated a dispute between an NBA franchise and its former head coach involving breach of employment contract and salary owed post-termination.
  • Mediated a dispute between a television sitcom actor and their agent over unpaid commissions, as well as multiple cases involving commission disputes between musicians, actors, and their agents or management.
  • Mediated a partnership dissolution dispute involving a talent agency.
  • Mediated a dispute among producers of a sports documentary involving credit allocation and profit distribution.

Coverage

  • Mediated negligence and conversion claims arising from the theft of a trailer at a vehicle storage facility.

Property Damage

  • Mediated a case involving allegations that the defendant’s golf course construction caused a mudslide that destroyed the plaintiff’s home.

Subrogation

  • Mediated a case involving a workers’ compensation carrier seeking reimbursement for benefits paid, alongside a plaintiff’s claim for general damages.
  • Mediated an insurance subrogation case involving a fire caused by an allegedly defective remote-control car battery. The insurer sued the manufacturer and retailer for property damage.

Medical

  • Mediated a medical malpractice case against two doctors after the plaintiff’s wife died during surgery to remove a neck mass.
  • Mediated a medical malpractice case arising from a donor nephrectomy.
  • Mediated a medical malpractice case against a doctor and hospital involving the death of an elderly patient, and a separate lawsuit against a nightclub stemming from a bouncer-involved altercation with patrons.
  • Mediated a medical malpractice case against doctors for alleged overprescription of iron treatment. The plaintiff was self-represented.

Accounting

  • Mediated a case against a CPA whose firm failed to pay employment taxes to the IRS and EDD. Plaintiffs sought recovery of interest, penalties, legal fees, and accounting costs incurred in resolving the matter.

Breach Of Contract

  • Mediated a complex HOA dispute involving the association, management company, foreclosure firm, individual board members, and residents. Settlement included corrective lien filings with the recorder’s office.
  • Mediated a case involving a home seller’s refusal to pay a real estate commission owed to the broker following the sale of a house.

Buy/Sell

  • Mediated a residential real estate dispute involving a canceled escrow, with the central issue being whether the seller could retain the buyer’s deposit or if it should be refunded.

Home Owners Association

  • Mediated a dispute between homeowners and the HOA regarding the placement of a bus stop within the community.
  • Mediated a homeowners association dispute involving damage to a condo unit caused by sinking common area floor joists. The dispute centered on responsibility for specific repair costs.
  • Mediated a dispute between a condominium unit owner and the HOA involving property damage and alleged violations of the CC&Rs and bylaws.

Landlord/Tenant

  • Mediated a commercial lease dispute involving a health food/juice restaurant. The conflict centered on construction at the leased premises and resulting building code violations. The landlord filed an unlawful detainer, while the tenant sought declaratory relief. The case settled with a modification of key lease terms.

Real Property

  • Mediated disputes between homeowners in an upscale suburban neighborhood over ocean view obstruction.
  • Mediated a fence line dispute between apartment building owners in a major metropolitan city.
  • Mediated a dispute between adjacent neighbors involving allegations that one property owner dumped construction debris into the other’s yard, creating landslide hazards.
  • Mediated a tenant dispute against a Homeowners Association involving construction and repair issues across a 100+ unit condominium complex.
  • Mediated a dispute between downhill homeowners and an uphill homeowner after a mudslide caused flooding and damage to the lower properties.
  • Mediated multiple HOA disputes against condominium owners for unauthorized construction work.
  • Mediated HOA disputes involving tenants using condominium units for short-term vacation rentals.
  • Mediated a case involving a lawsuit to recognize a foreign country judgment in California stemming from a real estate transaction dispute.
  • Mediated numerous cases involving easement disputes.
  • Mediated a residential property dispute between neighbors involving an easement.

Warranty of Habitability

  • Mediated a warranty of habitability case involving a 28-unit apartment building.
  • Mediated a personal injury case involving alleged mold exposure in the plaintiff’s rental apartment.
  • Mediated a warranty of habitability case involving 131 plaintiffs.

Common Carrier

  • Mediated numerous injury claims involving passengers on Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses.

Food Safety

  • Mediated a case in which the plaintiff alleged illness from E.?coli after dining at the defendants’ restaurant.

General Negligence

  • Mediated a case in which a natural gas provider brought an inverse condemnation claim against an electricity supply company and a city, alleging a power surge damaged a city water pipe, resulting in six-figure losses.
  • Mediated a case in which the plaintiff sued a cemetery over a mishandled burial. The casket did not fit into the grave due to the handle width, requiring on-site modifications—including reopening the casket and adjusting the body—in full view of grieving family members.

Personal Injury

  • Organized and managed the first Santa Monica Court Personal Injury CRASH Program.
  • Mediated a personal injury case in which the plaintiff sustained second- and third-degree burns over most of his body due to an apartment fire. The matter settled for seven figures.

PI Auto

  • Bad faith insurance arising out of a personal injury auto/pedestrian accident.
  • Car accident case involving high profile political/celebrity personality.
  • First party insurance case arising out of a car on bike accident. Defendant driver was underinsured.
  • Motor scooter accident involving broken tibia and fibula and disputed TBI.
  • Countless lawsuits involving automobile accidents, premises liability, slip and fall, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and wrongful death
  • Dispute arising from head trauma injury resulting from individual falling from motorized two-wheeled personal transport vehicle

PI Sexual Assault

  • Plaintiff alleged sexual abuse against the mother of one of his high school friends.

Premises Liability

  • Laborer injured on construction site. Along with the usual issues involved in personal injury cases, this case involved complications relating to the Worker's Compensation lien.
  • Dispute against large coastal municipality when individual was injured after wave swept her off a breakwater structure
  • Mediated premises liability case where a woman fell through an improperly filled construction ditch while running through a college campus
  • Mediated serious injury claim involving an employee on a college campus Mediated premises liability matter on private college campus where stage collapsed on an assembly attendee
  • Mediated numerous injury matters occurring in parking lot and parking structures
  • High-profile celebrity case. Actor/comedian accused of assaulting a driver.

Product Liability

  • Breach of contract involving Hardwood Floor manufacturer.
  • Dispute against major metropolitan city for improper roadway design
  • Property damage case involving the Homeowners Association with multiple parties, subrogation actions and insurance issues.
  • The Plaintiff alleged that the stem on the bicycle broke causing him to crash. The Plaintiff argued that the metal alloy used in the stem was not suitable for use as a bicycle stem.

Toxic Torts

  • Disputes involving toxic mold complaints

Wrongful Death

  • Wrongful death claim against major metropolitan city when elderly man tripped and fell in airport parking structure
  • Mediated high-speed freeway accident case involving multiple vehicles and injuries including a wrongful death claim
Sarmiento is the best. Always gets the job done!
- Founding Partner of a Firm Based in Beverly Hills
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
I had several very positive experiences with Judge Sarmiento when he was on the bench. I am pleased to see that those skills translated well to the mediator position!
- Attorney on a product liability dispute
The mediator met the parties' challenge and showed comprehension of what was at stake. I would use this mediator again.
- Partner at a Nationwide Law Firm
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
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 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
I appreciated how he cut through to the critical issues and left the unimportant issues to the side.
- Attorney on an Employment/Discrimination case
Hon. Cesar Sarmiento, Ret.
Based in Los Angeles | Available in All of California
Case Manager: Amanda Muñoz