Hon. Arleigh Maddox Woods, Ret.
Justice Arleigh Woods is well known throughout the state for her unprecedented judicial career. After 18 years as a judge, including 14 as Presiding Justice on the Court of Appeal, Justice Woods retired. During her tenure on the bench, she frequently sat as Justice Pro Tem on the California Supreme Court. Justice Woods has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards as an outstanding jurist. Her opinions have not only demonstrated her wisdom but also her compassion and sensitivity to the feelings of litigants. Her legal expertise, strong managerial skills, charismatic personality and persuasive style make her exceptionally well-equipped to hear all disputes, especially complex cases involving environmental, construction and employment matters. She is renowned for her settlement skills.

SPECIALIZES IN:

All tort litigation, including wrongful termination, discrimination and construction defect. She has handled and written numerous opinions on construction defect cases, some involving condominium projects. Other areas of expertise include insurance coverage conflicts, environmental issues, real property, business and intellectual property.

EDUCATION:

  • B.A., Chapman College
  • L.L.B., Southwestern University
  • School of Law
  • L.L.M., University of Virginia

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Administrative Presiding Justice, California Court of Appeal 2nd District, 1984-87
  • Presiding Justice, Division Four, 1982-96
  • Associate Justice, 1980-82
  • Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court, 1976-80
  • Supervising Judge, North Central District, 1978-80
  • Chair of the Commission on Judicial
    Performance, 1986-93
  • Professional Woman of the Year, 1982
  • Appellate Justice of the Year, CTLA, 1983
  • Bernard Jefferson Award for Judicial Excellence, California Association of Black Lawyers, 1985
  • Outstanding Judicial Officer, Southwestern University Alumna of the Year, 1995
  • Appellate Justice of the Year, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Association, 1990
  • Consumer Attorneys of California, Lifetime Achievement Award, 1999

AVAILABLE: California and Washington.