After a distinguished career spanning two decades as a judge for the Orange County Superior Court, Judge Linda Marks returns to Judicate West as a full-time neutral. During her judicial tenure, she presided over a wide variety of civil matters ranging from contentious real estate disputes to emotionally charged sexual assault and all types of wrongful death and injury cases. She notably also held a two-year assignment as a Justice Pro Tem for the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Her kind and approachable yet firm demeanor, combined with her fairness, legal acumen, and skill in active listening and connecting with people, position her exceptionally well as a mediator, arbitrator, and private judge.
Prior to her appointment, she led a civil litigation practice at her own firm Marks & Yocum for 18 years as a trial attorney. She also served as a deputy public defender for the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender in the early stages of her career.
A respected and long-time member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), she led the Orange County Chapter as president in 2017. Judge Marks takes great pride in establishing the Teachers Law School Program, a collaboration with the Orange County Department of Education This OC ABOTA program aims to educate teachers about the importance of civics education. In recognition of her commitment to justice and the legal community, Judge Marks has received numerous accolades and honors.
- Business/Contractual
- Employment
- Insurance
- Personal Injury including Wrongful Death, Sexual Assault, and Medical Negligence
- Product Liability
- Professional Malpractice
- Real Estate
Judge Marks is very passionate about her involvement in the Orange County community and dedicates much of her time to serving on the board of various organizations. She is an avid reader, and also enjoys equestrian show jumping, traveling, skiing, and spending time with her family and two dogs.
- Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2023-Present)
- Judge, Orange County Superior Court; Served in the Criminal Department (2003-2007), Hybrid Civil Family Law Calendar (2007-2009), and the Civil Department (2009-2023)
- Justice Pro Tem, California Court of Appeals 4th Appellate District Division 3 (2021/2022)
- Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2003)
- Judge Pro Tem, Orange County Superior Court (2001-2003)
- Senior Managing Partner, Marks & Yocum; Focused on personal injury, product liability, and insurance defense matters (1991-2003)
- Partner, Early Baruch & Marks (1989-1991)
- Associate, Fonda & Garrard (1987-1989)
- Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender (1985-1987)
- J.D., Southwestern University School of Law (1984)
- B.A., University of California, Los Angeles (1979)
- Pepperdine University School of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Mediating the Litigated Case and Advanced Mediation Training (2024)
- Adjunct Professor at University of California, Irvine Law School; Teaching trial advocacy course (2023)
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABTL), Board Member (2009-2023)
- ABOTA, Past President of the Orange County Chapter (2017); Member (Since 2003)
- California Judges Foundation, President (2017); Executive Board Member (2014-2016)
- California Judges Association, Executive Board Member for OC Superior Court (2014-2016)
- Banyard Inn of Court, Member (2007-Present)
- International Academy of Mediators (IAM), Honorary Fellow (2005)
- National Association of Women Judges (2003)
- Adjunct Professor at Western State College of Law; Teaching alternative dispute resolution (2002)
- Established and chaired the Teachers Law School Program; In conjunction with the Orange County Board of Education, this ABOTA program aims to educate teachers and their students about the importance of the U.S. judicial system and judicial independence
- Spoke on numerous panels for various legal organizations
- ABOTA’s “Judge of the Year” (2019)
- Orange County Trial Lawyers Association “Judge of the Year” (2018)
- Celtic Bar Association of Orange County “Judge of the Year” (2017)
- ABOTA’s George Francis Civility Award (2011)
- Banyard Inn of Court of the American Inns of Court Judicial Civility Award (2011)
Medical Malpractice
- Mediated a matter involving a minor plaintiff who was receiving inpatient treatment and was sexually assaulted during their stay.
Breach Of Contract
- Mediated a breach of contract dispute involving a commercial lease with personal guarantees.
Wrongful Eviction
- Mediated a case involving a plaintiff who claimed their landlord had illegally changed locks and removed belongings from the home.
Elder Abuse
- Mediated an elder abuse wrongful death dispute with claims that included negligent hiring, supervision, and elder abuse from the untimely passing as a result of the defense’s care and custody.
Food Safety
- Mediated a dispute involving a group of plaintiffs in a food poisoning case.
PI Auto
- Mediated a truck versus bus accident where the plaintiff required extensive medical treatment.
- Mediated numerous auto accident cases involving complex personal injury and liability disputes.
- Mediated a two-car, rear-end collision, and the plaintiff had preexisting injuries.
Premises Liability
- Mediated a matter involving a plaintiff, who slipped while descending a staircase at a theme park and sustained injuries due to the lack of slip-resistant surfaces.
- Mediated a case where the plaintiff fell in a store, resulting in a severe ankle injury and required several surgeries.
Wrongful Death
- Mediated a dispute involving a group of plaintiffs in a food poisoning case.
