Introduction
Judge Nugent has served the San Diego legal community for decades as both an attorney and a judge. Following a 35-year career in private practice as a civil litigator, he was appointed to the San Diego County Superior Court by Gov. Pete Wilson in 1998. He was assigned to an Independent Calendar Department for 15 years. The practice included trials and appeals in State and Federal Courts as well as appearances before administrative agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Medical Quality Assurance, the Department of Alcohol And Beverage Control, and the New Mexico State Racing Commission. The combination of these
experiences required an understanding of a variety of complex business matters and issues related to insurance, real estate, contracts, professional liability, employment law, personal injury, and product liability, and involved proceedings requiring the interpretation and application of environmental laws. Judge Nugent retired from the bench in 2015, having presided over all types of civil law matters. In his final two years, he assumed responsibility for a department engaged exclusively in conducting settlement conferences.
Prior to his appointment to the bench, he was the founding partner of one of San Diego's oldest and most prestigious law firms. While in private practice he served as a Court appointed arbitrator. One client said, "To say that Judge Nugent took the bull by the horns would be a gross understatement. His ability to work with the clients directly, and either reduce or eliminate emotions, completed a Herculean task. I would highly recommend Judge Nugent for not only regular disputes but especially for those which seem to be beyond settlement."
Judge Nugent proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Practice Areas
Experience Summary
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Thomas P. Nugent, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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Hobbies & Interests
In his spare time, Judge Nugent enjoys reading, exercising, and spectating all sports.
Testimonials
"To say that Judge Nugent took the bull by the horns would be a gross understatement. I had been litigating a case for over four years, through a
trial and two appellate hearings, with an upcoming arbitration staring us in the face. Despite being on the winning side of every decision, the opposing
counsel was determined to continue this litigation as long as it was able to/ Starting with the statement, "I will work as long as I have to,"
Judge Nugent spent the next two days, with the first day going 13 hours, bringing the parties to a settlement which ended the litigation. His ability
to work with the clients directly, and either reduce or eliminate emotions, completed a Herculean task. I would highly recommend Judge Nugent for not
only the regular case, but especially for those which seem to be beyond settlement. Again, thank you for your help"
- Attorney, San Diego, CA
"Judge Nugent was patient and empathetic with the parties, such that my clients felt that they were heard and understood, perceived as credible and honest, and would be treated fairly."
- Attorney on a Real Property Buy Sell Case
"Spot on! Sensitive to issues provoking law suit."
- Attorney on an Employment Discrimination Case
"I admired and respected Judge Nugent when he was on the bench. That admiration and respect continue with him as a mediator."
- Attorney on a Business Partnership Dissolution Case
"Judge Nugent was well prepared and very effective. "
- Attorney on a Business Partnership Dissolution Case
"Judge Nugent did a great job in getting the case settled."
- Attorney on a Neighbor Dispute
"Judge Nugent was exceedingly well prepared, honest, not heavy handed, receptive to arguments provided by both sides, with an excellent demeanor."
- Attorney on a Complex Business/Contractual Case
"Judge Nugent was compassionate to my client in a difficult and emotional case. I greatly appreciated that. He also quickly processed info and understood key issues in our complex multi-party case."
- Attorney on a General Negligence Case
