Judge Warner began his career resolving disputes as a claims professional with a major multiple-line insurance company in Seattle, Washington. He received national recognition from the Insurance Institute of America in both property and casualty claim resolution. After working in that industry for eight years, he decided to attend law school in the evenings. He graduated first in his class, with honors, and embarked upon a successful career as a civil trial lawyer in Southern California with two prominent Inland Empire firms. Martindale-Hubbell recognized him with an AV rating. He was also admitted to ABOTA, and currently holds the rank of Advocate.
Following his appointment to the bench in San Bernardino County by Gov. Pete Wilson in 1996, Judge Warner served with distinction for 14 years as a Superior Court trial judge. He presided over more than 50 criminal jury trials as well as more than 300 hundred civil jury trials involving class actions, insurance bad faith cases, and all manner of tort, contract, employment, real estate, and public entity controversies. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Warner also held a number of supervisory and administrative positions. He conducted thousands of civil settlement conferences and is highly regarded by both sides of the bar for his settlement skills. He continues to speak at legal and educational functions, including "Bridging the Gap," where he revels in addressing civility and courtroom demeanor for new lawyers.
In addition to his work with Judicate West, Judge Warner volunteers at the 4th District Court of Appeals, Division 2, as a mediator. He thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to interact with counsel and their clients, and to bring resolution and closure to conflicts.
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Christopher J. Warner, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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The judge is an avid baseball fan, his favorite team being the Angels. He also plays golf, loves music, traveling, and road trips, and he is a "car guy".
"Judge Warner did a great job in assisting the parties to reach an amicable and acceptable resolution to our case."
- Litigation Attorney with Over 20 Years of Experience
"He carefully read the material and was very knowledgeable about the issue. He was fair and effective."
- Attorney on a Business/Contractual Dispute
"Thank you sincerely for the outstanding mediation. You mastered a lengthy and complicated record and boiled the matter down to a few discrete issues that allowed the parties to really get down to brass tacks. "
- Attorney on a Personal Injury/Negligence Matter
"I really appreciate your assistance in the matter and all your positive inputs to my client. You were seriously a pleasure to work with and had a wonderful attitude.
"
- Plaintiff Attorney on a Dental Malpractice Dispute
"Judge Warner was the perfect choice for a difficult and complex mediation I had with the County
shortly before a trial. He mastered the facts, worked with difficult issues and found solutions
where 99% would not. He is uniquely gifted and his high integrity and energy made him perfect for the task."
- Prominent Attorney, Southern California
"Judge Warner was a quick study and properly evaluated the case."
- Attorney on an insurance subrogation dispute
"Judge Warner was knowledgeable, calm, and persistent."
- Attorney on a civil rights dispute
"[I] wanted to thank you again for helping us resolve the case through mediation and MSC. We could not have resolved the case without your experience on the bench and skillset as a mediator. You did a wonderful job because this was not an easy case to settle."
- Attorney on a premises liability dispute
601 S. Figueroa
Ste 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213.223.1113
Fax : 213.223.1114
980 9th Street
Suite 2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.394.8490
Fax : 916.394.8495
402 W. Broadway
Ste 2400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.814.1966
Fax : 619.814.1967
1851 East First Street
Ste 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714.834.1340
Fax : 714.834.1344
1925 Century Park East
Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 800.488.8805
Fax :
2023.6.1.2rt