Judge Wagner is a seasoned legal professional with over 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer, judge, and neutral. Before his appointment, he represented clients on both sides and tried complex cases in state and federal courts. At the age of 31, he was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Oklahoma, where he was tasked with reducing the court’s extensive backlog. He successfully achieved this by establishing a court-annexed mediation program while maintaining a full civil calendar and serving as a mediator. His innovative program became an example for federal courts across the country.
After 12 years of dedicated service, he left the court to pursue his passion for alternative dispute resolution full-time. He co-founded the ADR Center at Irell & Manella before joining Judicate West in 2005. Throughout his career, he has served as a mediator, arbitrator, private judge, special master, and referee in thousands of cases.
Judge Wagner specializes in legally challenging matters involving multiple parties and has earned a reputation for excelling in particularly protracted, difficult, and emotionally charged cases. He prides himself in his persistence and consistently utilizes new and creative techniques to help parties achieve resolution.
In his spare time, Judge Wagner enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, who share in his interest in muscle cars, backpacking, chess and travel.
"Judge Wagner was patient when appropriate, firm when he needed to be and "acted like a judge" when that was needed, and that was very helpful in the process. I loved his methodology for reducing plaintiff's demands and increasing defendant's offers."
- Attorney, Orange County, California
"Judge Wagner was amazing and we were able to settle this case because of his efforts. "
- Attorney on an Employment Hostile Environment case
"He took the time to listen and proposed creative resolutions."
- Attorney on a Complex Commercial Dispute
"His perseverance and diligence are unique."
- Attorney on a Consumer Class Action Matter
"I want to thank you for your superb assistance in the mediation process and your courtesy to everyone involved through hard issues and challenging personalities. You never wavered in the mission you undertook, and my colleagues and I greatly appreciate it. "
- Partner of a National Law Firm on an Environmental Issues case
"Judge Wagner was excellent! This was a difficult case with a lot of emotion, and no one thought it would actually settle. He immediately gained credibility with the client under difficult circumstances."
- Attorney on a Business/Contractual Matter
"Judge Wagner's overall approach was very effective. He was very receptive to recommendations by the parties concerning how mediation should proceed. He managed both sides well in a difficult mediation."
- Attorney, Michigan
"Judge Wagner was fully prepared, hard-working, and patient. We would definitely use him again. "
- Shareholder at a Southern California Law Firm and Litigator for over 52 Years
601 S. Figueroa
Ste 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213.223.1113
Fax : 213.223.1114
980 9th Street
Suite 2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.394.8490
Fax : 916.394.8495
402 W. Broadway
Ste 2400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.814.1966
Fax : 619.814.1967
100 Pine Street
Ste 1950
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415.266.1242
Fax : 415.266.1243
1851 East First Street
Ste 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714.834.1340
Fax : 714.834.1344
11601 Wilshire Blvd
Ste 2040
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310.442.2100
Fax : 310.442.2125
2023.5.1.12rp