Hon. Gary Y. Tanaka, (Ret.)
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired
Judge Gary Y. Tanaka (Ret.) brings 17 years of distinguished judicial experience and a deep understanding of what drives successful case resolution. During his tenure on the Los Angeles Superior Court from 2009 to 2026, Judge Tanaka presided over more than 25,000 cases and over 250 jury and bench trials, developing a reputation as a thoughtful, prepared, and highly effective judicial officer. Judge Tanaka served in some of the busiest and most complex civil assignments, including presiding over a Personal Injury Hub trial court and an Independent Calendar Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil Court for the South Central and Southwest Districts.
Prior to his elevation to the bench, Judge Tanaka built a diverse legal background spanning both the private and public sectors. He began his career as a civil transactional attorney specializing in real estate, corporate transactions, finance, taxation, and estate planning, before serving the County of Los Angeles as a deputy public defender, deputy alternate public defender, and senior deputy county counsel.
Practice Areas
- Civil Rights
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Construction Defect
- Employment
- Fee Disputes
- Medical Malpractice
- Business Contracts
- Real Estate
- Habitability
- Homeowners
- Arbitration
- Low Cost Mediation
- Low Cost Intermediate
- Municipal Liability
Conflict Resolution Experience
- Known for his exceptional settlement skills and practical approach to dispute resolution, Judge Tanaka was frequently sought out by attorneys and litigants to conduct both voluntary and mandatory settlement conferences. He brings a unique ability to evaluate cases from the perspective of a trial judge—assessing the evidence, identifying strengths and weaknesses, understanding witness credibility, and helping parties realistically evaluate risk. He understands that successful resolution requires more than identifying legal issues; it requires managing expectations, recognizing human factors, and helping parties make informed decisions based on the realities of litigation.
Education & Training
- J.D., Western State College of Law (1990)
- California State University, Long Beach
Organizations & Achievements
- Co-Chair, Los Angeles Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
- Recipient, Hon. William E. McFadden Award (South Bay Bar Association)
CONTACT US
We Handle Complex Dispute Cases Of All Kinds
Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation. Our experienced and professional team is here to provide expert guidance through your legal issues.
Testimonials From People We’ve Helped
Very professional place to mediate a legal matter. Many places to have a private conversation, comfortable surroundings
Linda L Mitchell
Honorable Mary Thornton House mediated over our impossible case. I never thought this could get resolved, as we were stuck on both sides for almost 4 years. Honorable Mary Thornton House listened to both sides and was able to communicate in a way that both sides understood. She was tenacious, diligent and had attention to details with the accounting and figures presented. We went back and forth into the night. But, she was able to calmly able to get a resolution on both sides. The honorable judge said that in ruling a case in court. You have an instant friend and a permanent enemy. In this case, I received a fair resolution. Grateful, that I did not have to go to court. Glad that our case got resolved. I highly recommend honorable Mary Thornton House