Judge James J. Di Cesare: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. James J. Di Cesare is a judge for the Superior Court of Orange County in California. He was appointed by former governor Gray Davis in October 2001, filling a newly created position.

Di Cesare attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a B.A. in 1969. He then received a J.D. from Pepperdine University in 1973.

He began his legal career in 1973, working as an associate with Aitken, Bradshaw & Andres. Three years later, in 1976, Di Cesare became a partner at Di Cesare & Weaver, eventually establishing his own practice in 1985. From 2000 and 2001, he served as a partner with Di Cesare & Behle, concentrating on personal injury, product liability, and professional negligence.

Born in Rochester, New York, Di Cesare was raised in Southern California, where he attended St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, California. Before entering law school, he joined the Army National Guard Reserves, serving alongside future judges David Chaffee, Richard Stanford, and Robert Moss.

He was the recipient of the Wiley W. Manual Award for pro bono legal services in 1998.

Judge Di Cesare is married with four children and seven grandchildren.