Hon. Bruce J. Sottile, Ret.
Judge Sottile has long been a proponent of civility and courtesy in the practice of law, making him a natural as a discovery referee and settlement judge. His reputation for being unflappable, easygoing and exceptionally fair have made his Van Nuys courtroom a pleasant place during his 17 years on the bench. Attorneys agree that he is “gentle, but firm” and allows each side to thoroughly present its case.

After serving for two years on the Municipal Court, Judge Sottile was elevated in 1985 to the Los Angeles Superior Court and assigned to civil cases in San Fernando. He began his legal career in the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office, where he served for many years as a principal legal advisor to various city departments on the drafting of contracts, leases, reports, opinions and ordinances. He also supervised civil litigation involving contract, bond and insurance, and bankruptcy issues. He spent 10 years representing the city‘s Department of Water and Power Division, in matters involving taxes, land encroachment, administrative proceedings, litigation, contract awards, surety bonds and insurance. Judge Sottile also gained business experience in the private sector, working as a contract administrator for Litton Industries and Hughes Aircraft while he attended law school.

SPECIALIZES IN:

Complex litigation of all types, including business and contractual issues, medical malpractice, construction defect, personal injury and employment.

EDUCATION:

  • J.D., Southwestern University School of Law, 1964.
  • B.B.A., Loyola (now Loyola Marymount) University, 1955
  • Certificate in Civil Mediation, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, 1999.

ORGANIZATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Member: California Judges Assn., Justinian Society, Italian-American Lawyers Assn.
  • (President, 1983). Former member: Los Angeles Co. Bar Assn.
  • American Bar Assn.
  • Recipient: numerous awards for community service from Italian-American organizations, including the Medalia de Oro and the Caviliere de Meritus.

MEMBER:

  • California Judges Assn.
  • Judicial Council — Presiding Judges Advisory Committee and Advisory Committee on Ethnic & Racial Bias in the Courts
  • State Trial Courts Budget Commission (chaired Budget Evaluation Subcommittee)
  • St. Mary’s Medical Center Board of Trustees.
  • Former member, Los Angeles County Bar Assn., Long Beach Bar Assn.
  • Former California State Bar Disciplinary Referee, member of Bar’s Review Department.

AVAILABLE: Throughout Southern California.