Retired Orange County judge joins JAMS panel

Retired Orange County Superior Court Judge John C. Gastelum has joined the panel of neutrals at the Irvine-based ADR firm JAMS after serving more than two decades on the bench.

Gastelum, who served on the court's unlimited civil panel from 2010 to 2024, will be based at the Orange County Resolution Center and will handle matters both in person and virtually for clients nationwide and abroad.

"I bring four decades of experience as a trial and appellate division judge and appellate research attorney handling complex civil matters--including thousands of law and motion and discovery disputes--to my ADR practice at JAMS," Gastelum said.

During his tenure, Gastelum presided over numerous legal matters, including complex motions and trials involving business disputes, personal injury, real estate, contracts, and partnership conflicts.

Gastelum also served a three-year term on the Orange County Superior Court's Appellate Division, acting as assistant presiding judge during his final year. He was a longtime member of the court's ADR Committee.

Before his 2003 appointment to the bench, he worked as lead appellate court attorney to Justices Thomas Crosby, William Bedsworth and Richard Aronson at the 4th District Court of Appeal, Division Three in Santa Ana.

"Judge Gastelum brings deep roots in the Orange County legal community and a well-earned reputation for his preparation and measured approach," said JAMS CEO and President Kimberly Taylor. "His ability to handle challenging matters with professionalism and care will make him a trusted resource for parties seeking resolution."