Hon. Jonathan E. Karesh (Ret.)

Hon. Jonathan E. Karesh (Ret.) brings almost forty years of unique judicial and legal experience to his mediator role at Signature Resolution. He is known for his friendly approach and steadfast commitment to ensuring equality under the law. ​

As a neutral, Judge Karesh views each case with an open mind, ensuring a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where all parties can feel recognized, valued, and heard. His experience presiding over complicated civil trials has prepared him well for his role as a neutral. He excels at identifying and framing the issues that often lead to effective resolutions. He is able to blend clarity and empathy, all while addressing the emotions that can come with a wide range of civil disputes. ​

In January 2001, former Governor Gray Davis appointed Judge Karesh to the San Mateo County Superior Court. During his 24-year tenure, he handled abroad range of civil cases, including personal injury matters, construction defect cases and high-stakes conservatorships. From July through December,2016, he served as Civil Law and Motion Judge, overseeing summary judgment hearings, complex briefings, and management of high-volume civil motion calendars. In this role, Judge Karesh managed 6–8 cases a day, spanning nearly every area of civil litigation. He worked closely with research attorneys, where he was able to craft thoughtful tentative rulings, often engaging in open, persuasive dialogue before issuing any final decisions. His work as a judge eventually earned him the recognition as the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association Judge of the Year in 2018. ​

Just over a year before the COVID-19 pandemic, he was elected Presiding Judge of the San Mateo County Superior Court in late 2018. Faced with an unprecedented challenge during the pandemic, Judge Karesh was able to lead a bench of 28 judges and 300 court staff through COVID, navigating the shutdown and reimagining court operations. Within six months, he oversaw the safe resumption of jury trials by building out temporary courtrooms at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds, where prospective jurors could be selected while being safely socially distanced. He was widely recognized in California for his steady leadership and practical problem-solving during this period of uncertainty.  ​
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From 2019 to 2023, Judge Karesh served on the Governor of California’s Judicial Selection Advisory Committee, a prestigious body that advises the Governor on appointments to the California Superior Court and Court of Appeal. In this role, he worked alongside prominent judges and attorneys to help shape the future of the California judiciary.​

Before taking the bench, Judge Karesh spent 12.5 years in the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office, where he prosecuted civil asset forfeiture cases. For many years, he taught civil procedure and discovery to attorneys at forfeiture conferences throughout California. At the start of his career, Judge Karesh worked in private practice as an Associate with Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold LLP, where he handled personal injury, product liability, and construction defect cases. These experiences laid the foundation for his career, preparing him for his role as a judge and inspiring his approach to neutrality.  ​​

Outside the courtroom, Judge Karesh is known for his warmth and sense of humor. For many years, he has mentored law students and new lawyersthrough Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom. Judge Karesh is a lifelong music lover, often playing the guitar and singing in his spare time. ​​

Whether on stage performing or in mediation, Judge Karesh brings enthusiasm, approachability, and genuine joy to every interaction he has with others.