Judge Mangione brings more than 45 years of combined judicial and litigation experience to his role as a full-time neutral with Judicate West. He served for over a decade on the San Diego County Superior Court, presiding in both the Family Law and Civil Divisions, where he handled a wide range of matters including personal injury, employment, medical negligence, business litigation and complex family law cases.

Appointed to the bench in 2015, Judge Mangione previously spent 34 years as a civil litigator representing both plaintiffs and defendants. His extensive trial background includes personal injury, employment, insurance, business and tort matters, giving him a well-rounded and practical understanding of the challenges faced by all sides in litigation. Attorneys value his ability to view disputes through a balanced lens shaped by decades of experience advocating in the courtroom.

He is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and a past president of the San Diego Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In 2025, he was honored as “Judge of the Year” by the San Diego Defense Lawyers. Since 2005, he has also served as an adjunct professor teaching trial skills at California Western School of Law.

Judge Mangione is known for his respectful demeanor, thoughtful preparation, and clear communication. Widely regarded as kind, fair and measured, he brings a sharp and seasoned legal mind to every matter. He is committed to ensuring that parties feel heard and understood, approaching every case with patience, professionalism and a steady focus on resolution.

Practice Areas
  • All types of Personal Injury, including Sexual Assault
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Employment
  • Family Law
  • Insurance
  • Medical Negligence
  • Professional Malpractice
Hobbies & Interests

In his free time, Judge Mangione enjoys reading, maintaining an active lifestyle, attending sporting events, and watching movies.

Legal Career
  • Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (Present)
  • Judge, San Diego County Superior Court (2015-2026); Independent Calendar Court, Family Law Division (2017-2021); Independent Calendar Court, Civil Division (2021-2026)
  • Partner, Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP; Specialized in Personal Injury, Employment, and Business (2002-2015)
  • Owner, Law Office of James A. Mangione; Specialized in Business/Torts (1999-2002)
  • Attorney, Luna, Brownwood & Rice; Specialized in Insurance (1994-1999)
  • Partner, Mitchell & Mangione (1981-1994)
Education & Professional Affiliations
  • J.D., University of San Diego School of Law (1981)
  • B.A., University of California, San Diego (1977)
  • Adjunct Professor, California Western School of Law; Teaching Trial Skills (2005-Present)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) – San Diego Chapter President (2018); Member (1998-Present)
  • Defenders Inc. President (2015); Board Member (2009-2015)
Achievements & Awards
  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (2015-Present)
  • San Diego Defense Lawyers ‘Judge of the Year’ Award (2025)
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America (2003-2015)
Judge Mangione brings an extraordinary breadth of experience and skills to the world of private dispute resolution. He tried many civil jury trials, both for plaintiffs and defendants, before presiding over numerous cases as a trial judge. His fairness, keen legal mind, and savvy will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role. But what truly sets him apart are his terrific people skills and empathy. Any party on either side of any type of case would be very fortunate to have Judge Mangione as an arbitrator or mediator.
- San Diego Personal Injury Attorney
I had the privilege of trying a case before Judge Mangione, and he was amazing. He knew when to be light-hearted, when to be thoughtful, and when to be decisive. He always wants to make sure he gets it right. He has the absolutely perfect disposition to be an amazing mediator, and I look forward to working with him in his new role.
- Name Partner at a Nationally Recognized Personal Injury Firm
At Judicate West, Judge Mangione can continue to do what he does best - offer sage advice to litigants and their counsel. He is a kind, fair, and thoughtful person, as well as a sharp and seasoned legal mind. I am glad that he is staying involved with the legal community, where we can all continue to take advantage of his great skills.
- A Top Lawyer in San Diego for Appellate Law
Judge Mangione approaches the exercise of judicial discretion with exceptional thoughtfulness and intention, always balancing the immediate needs of a matter with its long-term implications and an understanding of the past. His candor and natural authority command respect without intimidation. Every aspect of their decision-making and approach to complex litigation reflects meticulous preparation, extensive experience, and sound judgment. They make difficult calls and deliver necessary guidance in a way that drives progress and meaningful change.
- Family Law Specialist and Partner at a San Diego Family Law Firm
Judge Mangione has an amazing intellect and the ability to wade through complex facts and quickly cut to the chase. Importantly for litigants involved in hotly contested disputes, even though his wit is sharp, his tongue is not. He is remarkably even-tempered. I am sure that in his new career as a mediator at Judicate West, he will excel just as he has as a judge, a lawyer, and a superb human being.
- Partner at a San Diego Law Firm
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Hon. James A. Mangione, Ret.
Based in San Diego | Available in All of California
Mediation Case Manager: Kami Villhauer
Arbitration Case Manager: MaryAnn Davis
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