CARMINE CORNELIO

BACKGROUND

I was a successful top-rated Lawyer (Martindale Hubble AV rated, Best Lawyers in America, America’s Top Lawyers, etc.) for almost 20 years, handling both plaintiffs and defense cases in Tucson, Arizona. I also was a pro tem Judge. In 2001, I was selected and appointed as a Pima County Superior Court Judge. I served the public in the trial court for 15 years, primarily on the Civil bench. I presided over many jury trials ranging from car accidents to complex malpractice and commercial cases. I would frequently meet with jurors after their verdict to discuss their thoughts on the trial.

MEDIATION SETTLEMENT EXPERIENCE

I began conducting settlement conferences during my years as a pro tem. Because of this experience, I was selected to be the Presiding ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) shortly after I took the bench. For nearly ten years I was in charge of the Courts Settlement Program. In addition to being the “go to” Judge for difficult Civil, Domestic, and Probate cases, I was involved to teaching, writing, and training others in ADR. I have lost count of how many successful settlements I have helped parties and their lawyers reach. In 2010, I received the Justice Award from the Pima County Bar for extraordinary service to judges and lawyers and “Exceptional Skill and leadership in ADR”.

CURRENT MEDIATION & ADR PRACTICE

In 2017, I retired from the bench so that I could work exclusively in mediation, focusing on my passion of helping parties settle and resolve their disputes. Because of my background, experience , and reputation, I am frequently called upon to assist parties and their counsel in the more difficult or complex cases. I often assist in scheduling (with conference calls) the timing of a mediation. Prior to conducting a mediation, I take the time to understand the facts and applicable law as well as the unique dynamics of each case.