Enough Already! New Rules and Policies to Reduce Incivility

Justice Brian S. Currey (Ret.) brings over 40 years of legal and judicial experience to Signature Resolution, offering a thoughtful, even-handed approach to mediation. As a former Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Four, Justice Currey is widely respected for his legal acumen, integrity, and ability to navigate complex disputes with precision and fairness. After serving as a Los Angeles County Superior Court Independent Calendar and Complex Court judge, he is well-known and well-liked by both plaintiffs’ and defense counsel. The Los Angeles County Bar Association honored him with its Outstanding Jurist Award in 2024. ​

Before serving on the bench, Justice Currey spent nearly three decades at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where he litigated high-profile cases involving business, environmental law, intellectual property, antitrust, and product liability. Known for his strategic thinking and meticulous preparation, he participated in landmark matters such as the Exxon Valdez criminal case, the Vioxx products liability litigation (where he served on the MDL trial team), and the Cantara Loop train derailment and toxic chemical spill. His deep commitment to justice extended to pro bono work, including serving as counsel to the Christopher Commission following the Rodney King incident and arguing a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court case that improved Census representation for historically undercounted communities.​

Justice Currey’s experience in government and public policy was further strengthened when he was appointed Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and later served as Deputy Mayor for Economic and Business Policy. In this role, he oversaw major city agencies and played a key role in infrastructure and regulatory matters—enhancing his ability to resolve disputes involving government officials, public-private partnerships and regulatory issues.​

Appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2014, Justice Currey presided over civil and criminal dockets, later serving on the Complex Civil Litigation Court. His judicial career culminated with his appointment to the California Court of Appeal, where he was ultimately elevated to Presiding Justice. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized for his balanced decision-making, leadership in judicial education, and commitment to neutrality. ​​

A dedicated educator and thought leader, Justice Currey has taught at institutions including the California Appellate Institute, Witkin Judicial College and the USC Gould School of Law. He is regularly invited to speak at MCLE programs hosted by bar associations, including LACBA, ABTL, CAALA, ASCDC, APRL, and others. As Chair of the California Civility Task Force, he has also championed efforts to promote professionalism and civility in the legal field, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted and fair-minded leader. ​

At Signature Resolution, Justice Currey applies his deep legal knowledge, judicial insight, and problem-solving skills to help parties resolve even the most challenging cases. His ability to understand complex legal and factual issues, coupled with his approachable demeanor, makes him a sought-after mediator.

Associate Justice Helen Zukin was appointed to the Court of Appeal, Second District, Division
Four, by Governor Gavin Newsom in May 2023, earning an “exceptionally well qualified” rating
and unanimous confirmation. Previously, she served five years on the Los Angeles Superior
Court, presiding over family law, civil trials, and an independent civil calendar, and acting as
West District Site Judge for the Beverly Hills Courthouse. Justice Zukin helped establish the
California Judicial Mentor Program and contributed to initiatives on diversity, access, and
fairness.

Judge Wendy Chang serves as a judge on the Los Angeles County Superior Court since her
2018 appointment by Governor Jerry Brown. Previously a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson,
she specialized in professional ethics and advised on California’s Rules of Professional
Conduct. Judge Chang earned her B.A. from UCLA and her J.D. from Loyola Law School. She
has been active in various professional organizations, including the ABA and the Southern
California Chinese Lawyers Association.