Judge Taylor brings over four decades of legal experience and a reputation as a fair, candid, and tireless jurist to his role as a neutral with Judicate West.
During his 20 years on the San Diego County Superior Court bench, Judge Taylor presided over 189 civil jury trials to verdict and hundreds more bench trials and settlement conferences. His decisions were affirmed by reviewing courts more than 170 times. From 2013-2017, he served as the Civil Supervising Judge. Before his appointment, he spent 21 years at an AmLaw 100 firm trying complex matters.
Drawing on this breadth of experience coupled with a diplomatic and detail-oriented approach, Judge Taylor offers parties deep insight into likely trial outcomes and helps them thoughtfully evaluate the benefits of resolving disputes outside of court.
Practice Areas
- All types of Personal Injury
- Antitrust
- Business/Commercial
- Civil Rights
- Defamation
- Employment
- Insurance
- Real Estate
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of the office, Judge Taylor enjoys traveling with his wife and exploring various fly-fishing spots.
Legal Career
- Full-time Neutral, Judicate West (2025-Present)
- Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego School of Law (2025-Present)
- Judge, San Diego County Superior Court (2005-2025); Civil Trial Assignment (2023-2025); Civil Independent Calendar (2008-2023); Supervising Judge, Civil Division (2014-2017)
- Attorney, Sheppard Mullin (1984-2005); Litigation Equity Partner, San Diego (1990-2005); Litigation Associate, San Diego (1986-1990); Litigation Associate, Los Angeles (1984-1986)
Education & Professional Affiliations
- J.D., magna cum laude, Georgetown University Law Center (1981-1984)
- B.A., cum laude, University of Southern California (1977-1981)
- Mediating the Litigated Case program, Pepperdine University School of Law (2017)
- San Diego County Bar Association, Board of Directors (2004-2005)
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Member (1988-Present); Board of Governors
- Welsh Inn of Court, Senior Master (2009-Present)
- San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Board of Directors (1989-1995)
Achievements & Awards
- Trial Judge of the Year Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (2019)
- Four-Time winner of the Wiley W. Manuel Award for pro bono legal service
- Authored numerous articles for various publications including the Daily Journal and the CEB Civil Litigation Reporter
- Spoke on many panel presentations for ABA, ABTL, and SDCBA, among others
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Timothy B. Taylor, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
Contractual
- Presided over lengthy jury trials involving trade secrets and rights of publicity.
PAGA
- Presided over numerous PAGA and wage/hour class actions.
Wage and Hour
- Presided over a lengthy taxation/worker classification trial which proceeded to appellate review and an affirmance.
Environmental Issues
- Represented energy clients in civil rights, environmental, securities and trade regulation cases.
- Presided over several high profile CEQA cases which proceeded to appellate review and published decisions.
Bad Faith
- Presided over a lengthy bad faith jury trial.
Medical
- Presided over numerous medical negligence jury and bench trials.
Eminent Domain
- Presided over an eminent domain jury trial which gave rise to an appellate affirmance.
Real Property
- Presided over numerous real property cases, including boundary/easement disputes, land use disputes, and disputes regarding purchase/sale transactions and leases.
Civil Rights
- Presided over several police misconduct jury trials.
Personal Injury
- Presided over several serious injury cases involving the design immunity defense, including one that reached the California Supreme Court.
PI Libel and Slander
- Represented a prominent author and his publishing companies in a libel case, at trial and appellate stages.
Product Liability
- Presided over several product liability cases.
Wrongful Death
- Presided over numerous wrongful death jury trials.
Smart, completely prepared, and totally engaged, Judge Taylor recognizes the issues and crafts solutions. Using those skills in mediation will be a boon to parties to get their cases resolved. His empathy for clients and his appreciation of what they are going through will enhance effective communication with them at mediation and bolster their trust in the process.
- Three-Time Recipient of CASD's 'Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award'
I appeared before Judge Taylor countless times and tried four cases to verdict in Department 72. I was on time (late) only once. When he moved across the street, he oversaw several of our settlement conferences. I always thought when he was on the bench that he was the gold standard. No judge knew the law better or, more importantly, wanted to get it right more than him. He demanded excellence in his courtroom and made every lawyer appearing before him better. I look forward to arbitrating with Judge Taylor because I have confidence that he will be meticulous in his efforts to get it right. I also look forward to mediating with him because I believe he will be tenacious in his efforts to get that right, too, which means getting the case resolved.
- CASD Trial Lawyer of the Year
Judge Taylor is a highly intelligent jurist with an incisive legal mind. He is a real lawyer’s lawyer, capable of cutting to the quick of the most complicated and legally sophisticated disputes. These qualities, together with his professionalism, courtesy, and impressive work ethic, make him an excellent selection as a neutral for a wide variety of matters.
- Partner at a San Diego Civil Litigation Firm
In my 30-plus years of practice, I’ve never known a jurist more intellectually honest than Judge Taylor. He was always more prepared than the counsel in his courtroom combined, and he worked as hard as anyone on the bench to make sure that justice would be done. I would not hesitate to have Judge Taylor as my neutral.
- Founding Partner of a Southern California Law Firm
Judge Taylor was the smartest judge on the bench. He was prepared for every matter on his calendar and expected counsel to know their case and argument, including applicable authority. I appreciate and respect his vast wisdom and straightforward, honest approach.
- Shareholder at a Nationally-Recognized Top Employment Firm
Judge Taylor has what it takes to fairly and efficiently resolve the most intricate and delicate legal matters. Among his attributes are a keen legal mind, unquestioned integrity, true doggedness, a deep sense of fairness, and sincere compassion for those with legal issues. I would not hesitate in entrusting him with my stickiest disputes.
- Chair Emeritus of an Am Law 100 Firm
Judge Taylor knows the law, reads the briefs, conducts his own research, and strives to get the law right. He treats all parties equally and fairly. He is an exemplary complement to Judicate West's current mediator roster.
- Personal Injury Attorney with over 30 Years of Experience
