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Hon. David M. Chapman (Ret.)

Judge Chapman brings more than 43 years of experience to conflict and dispute resolutions.  Judge Chapman gained trial experience as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles and Riverside counties.  As an attorney in private practice for more than 30 years he gained invaluable experience representing hundreds of clients in all areas of personal injury, wrongful death, professional liability, product liability, insurance disputes and class action litigation.  Judge Chapman was able to apply this experience to the many cases he would preside over after his appointment to the bench.  He has managed, tried or settled a wide variety of disputes including fraud, all areas of personal injury, wrongful death, professional liability, business and real estate disputes, eminent domain and receiverships, employment disputes, insurance coverage and claims of insurance bad faith, as well as ADA disability litigation.

While sitting in a civil assignment for many years, Judge Chapman presided over the court’s First Friday Settlement program which is dedicated to early case evaluation and mediation. 

Having participated in hundreds of mediations and settlement conferences, experience has taught him that early mediation often saves the litigants tremendous financial resources.   Judge Chapman recognized that one of the great joys of having served the community as a trial judge was assisting attorneys and their clients in resolving disputes and conflicts well in advance of approaching trial dates.  Patience, empathy and a desire to sincerely listen are essential skills for the successful mediator.  Judge Chapman is dedicated to creating an atmosphere where all sides are heard and understood and to assist in the facilitation of a mutually satisfactory resolution.

Judge Chapman is the recipient of:

  • American Board of Trial Advocates Inland Empire 2018 Trial Judge of the Year

  • Consumer Attorneys of California 2018 Trial Judge of the Year Inland Empire

  • Certificate of Congressional Recognition for Academic Achievements and Commitment to Improving the Community Through Justice and Equality 2014

  • California Legislature Recognition for Commitment in Legal Education 2013

  • State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition for Commitment in Legal Education and Positive Impact on the Promotion of Rights and Equality in the Coachella Valley

  • Judge Chapman has served many years on the Court’s ADR Committees as well as the Judicial Council of California Civil Advisory Committee; Complex Litigation Committee and Committee for Evidentiary Objections in Summary Judgment Proceedings

To download Judge Chapman’s CV, please click here.