Introduction
With over two decades on the bench, Judge Barton has presided over more than 200 jury and bench trials involving civil, family, and criminal matters. During his 11 years as a civil independent calendar judge, he heard some of the largest and most sensitive cases in San Diego. He has held over 200 settlement conferences where he developed a passion and an appreciation for settling civil and family law cases.
For over 20 years, Judge Barton was a civil trial lawyer with a practice specializing in professional liability, medical malpractice, product liability, and general civil matters. He was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 1995 and has been a sustaining member of Lawyers Club for almost 20 years.
While the Presiding Judge of the Court, Judge Barton was elected by the 58 presiding judges in the State to serve as the chair of the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee, which functions as the voice of the trial courts. He led the efforts with the court’s executive team to transition the civil and family law divisions to an electronic filing and case management system, which helped the court provide legal services during the pandemic. Judge Barton was also closely involved in developing the discovery dispute resolution process adopted by the court during COVID and has a strong interest in resolving discovery issues.
Attorneys who have appeared before Judge Barton describe his judicial temperament as being very calm and thoughtful in his approach. He is well respected by the San Diego Legal community and is known for being a fair-minded trier of fact by most who have appeared before him.
Practice Areas
Experience Summary
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Jeffrey Barton, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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Hobbies & Interests
Judge Barton enjoys surfing, cycling, circuit training, and camping.
Testimonials
"This was the first time I have used Judge Barton, and I was extremely impressed. He did a great job involving my client. We were both very happy with the outcome."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Sexual Assault Case
"We and our client really appreciated Judge Barton's deep dive into the pre-mediation materials and willingness to speak about the unique dynamics of this multi-party, two-state, 4 different actions attempt to resolve all 4 cases globally. "
- Attorney on a Professional Malpractice Legal Case
"I am so pleased to hear that Judge Jeffrey Barton has joined Judicate West. I have found Judge Barton to be calm, dedicated, empathetic, and respectful. What sets Judge Barton apart as an outstanding mediator is his superior knowledge of the law as a long-time civil trial judge and his prior reputation as an outstanding and seasoned civil trial attorney. He is a problem solver who inspires trust and confidence, plus he is just a really nice and solid guy."
- Partner at a San Diego Law Firm
"Judge Barton has the perfect balance of patience and guidance towards resolving the case. If asked, he is not afraid to give realistic feedback. He had read briefs and was very prepared. The case resolved, largely thanks to him. "
- Attorney on a Family Law Case
"Judge Barton used good instincts to help us settle the case."
- Attorney on a Family Law Case
"Judicate West is lucky to have this experienced jurist on its panel of neutrals. Judge Barton was extremely thorough and decisive in putting together a 27-page Statement of Decision after a lengthy and complex Family Law trial over which he presided with patience and empathy for the parties and a minor child. I believe he will be an exceptional mediator, arbitrator, and private judge. I highly recommend him. "
- San Diego Attorney
