News & Events

May 2, 2022

Hon. Winifred Y. Smith (Ret.) Joins ADR Services, Inc.

ADR Services, Inc. is thrilled to announce that Hon. Winifred Y. Smith (Ret.) has joined our exclusive panel of distinguished neutrals.

Judge Smith recently retired from the Alameda County Superior Court after an accomplished career of 21 years of judicial service, during which she presided over civil law and motion, civil direct, and complex litigation matters. In her 13 years serving in civil assignments, Judge Smith presided over nearly 100 civil trials to verdict, including a case which resulted in the largest civil award in California’s history. She was also an integral member of court leadership, having served as a member of the Judicial Council, Supervising Judge of multiple courthouses, Supervising Judge of the court’s Civil Division, and later as Presiding Judge.

Judge Smith’s judicial career was preceded by 26 years as Deputy Attorney General in the California Attorney General’s Office. With a legal career spanning more than 47 years, Judge Smith is knowledgeable in nearly all types of civil disputes, having particular depth of experience in Employment, Business, Personal Injury, Public Entities, Class Actions, Wage & Hour / PAGA, Coordinated Proceedings, Complex Litigation, and Proposition 65 matters.

Judge Smith is widely respected for her judicial demeanor and ability to deftly manage complex matters to resolution. She has been honored by many legal organizations for her commitment to judicial excellence, including being twice named Jurist of Distinction by the Women Lawyers of Alameda County and as Trial Judge of the Year by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2021.

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