Hon. Robert McGuiness (Ret.)

Hon. Robert McGuiness (Ret.) brings five decades of wide-ranging legal and judicial experience to his work helping parties resolve complex civil disputes with insight, balance, and composure. Known for his pragmatic approach and deep understanding of courtroom dynamics, he draws on a lifetime in the law to guide parties toward practical and lasting resolution. As Supervising Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court’s Civil Litigation Settlement Unit, he conducted hundreds of settlement conferences, earning a reputation for thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and the ability to bring even the most entrenched matters to closure.

Judge McGuiness’ mediation style is defined by active engagement, patience, and respect for each party’s perspective. He works closely with attorneys and clients to identify both the legal and personal dimensions of conflict, maintaining open communication and focusing on realistic outcomes. His approach emphasizes understanding the dynamics and personalities that influence negotiation, allowing him to build trust and foster progress in even the most complex, high-stakes matters.

Before joining the bench, Judge McGuiness built a distinguished career as a trial lawyer and founding partner of McGuiness and Northridge in Oakland, where he led a diverse civil litigation practice involving business disputes, securities class actions, major probate litigation, and family law. Among his many significant cases, he served as class counsel for shareholders in the Lucky Stores securities litigation, resulting in a class benefit exceeding one billion dollars. Earlier in his career, he represented clients in matters that reached both the California Court of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court, experience that shaped his appreciation for both legal strategy and human impact.

Appointed to the Alameda County Superior Court in 2005 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Judge McGuiness served in leadership roles throughout his judicial tenure, including Supervising Judge of both civil and criminal courthouses. He spent nearly a decade as an active civil trial judge and four years leading the court’s Civil Litigation Settlement Unit. His service included chairing and co-chairing the court’s ADR Committee and sitting on the Executive Committee for multiple terms.

Judge McGuiness’ commitment to excellence in trial practice has been recognized repeatedly. He was named Trial Judge of the Year by the Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association in 2012 and previously earned Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent ratings and listings in both Best Lawyers in America and the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in America.

A lifelong member of a distinguished judicial family, Judge McGuiness represents the third generation to serve on the bench. His father, William J. McGuiness, served as an Alameda County Superior Court Judge; his brother, Bill, was Administrative Presiding Justice of the First District Court of Appeal; and his wife, Yolanda, served as Presiding Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court. Together, their family’s service spans a century of judicial leadership and commitment to the law.

Judge McGuiness is a graduate of the UCLA School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Santa Clara University. He frequently lectures for local bar associations and professional organizations, speaking on evidence, mediation, and civil trial practice.

Drawing on decades of courtroom and leadership experience, Judge McGuiness approaches every matter with preparation, perspective, and respect. His ability to balance analytical rigor with human understanding makes him a trusted neutral for parties seeking thoughtful and effective resolution.