Case Manager: Elvira Camacho
BACKGROUND
As a neutral with ADR Services, Inc. since 2014, Judge Solner brings his vast knowledge and experience of seventeen years on the bench both as a trial judge and, during his last two years on the bench, as a Settlement judge assigned to a dedicated MSC Court, successfully settling hundreds of cases. Often described as persuasive, insightful, knowledgeable and prepared, he is among the most highly regarded and effective neutrals with ADR Services, Inc.
Judge Solner has had an impressive 50-year career as both a litigator and judge with extensive legal experience in a wide range of matters. Beginning his legal career, he was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles where he excelled in the courtroom. For the next two decades he was a civil litigator handling plaintiff as well as defense representation.
Widely known for his ability to interject humor, when appropriate, to defuse tension, Judge Solner’s warm communication skills effectively lend themselves to establishing the rapport that expeditiously moves the parties to a successful, lasting resolution, either virtually or in person. With a deep sense of humanity and keen insight, he draws upon his natural abilities and wide-ranging unique life experiences including immersion in foreign cultures for years at a time. He lived in Paris, France as a young man and Mallorca in his teens.
Attorneys who have appeared both in his courtroom and in a mediation with him at ADR Services, Inc. have said that Judge Solner is “very knowledgeable about the law”, “legendary for his patience”, “the epitome of a great judge”, “understands cases crazy fast”, and “is forceful where he needs to be”. A former presiding judge has also described him as “an iron fist in a velvet glove”.
1997 – 2014
Judge of the Superior Court, Los Angeles
Unlimited Civil Independent Calendar Trial Court
Assistant Supervising Judge
Civil Trials
Settlement Judge
Three (3) years criminal trials at CCB
1988-1997
Sole Practitioner, Litigation Attorney
Law Offices of Michael C. Solner
1977-1988
Partner, Litigation Attorney
Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges (then the 6th largest California firm)
1972-1977
Assistant United States Attorney, Central District of California
Criminal Division – jury and non-jury trials, appeals, Grand Jury investigations, acting Chief of Complaints
1975-1977
Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), United States Air Force (Rank: Major)
1964-1968 United States Air Force, Aerial Reconnaissance Missions 1965-66
Commissioned Officer and Viet Nam Combat Veteran
Judge Solner created and established a powerful and unique Invitational Program with the USC Price Bedrosian Center with then Dean Jack Knott for on-site visits and tours of the Mosk Courthouse to educate advanced degree students on the third branch of government.
Judge Solner spent many of his formative years abroad, attending local grammar schools. He lived in Paris, France, and the Island of Mallorca, and attended College Champittet in Lausanne, Switzerland.
As a result, Judge Solner became trilingual in English, French and Spanish, affording him a rare ability to appreciate and absorb numerous cultures, backgrounds and personalities. He is an avid skier, scuba diver, ultra-marathoner and competitive triathlete, speaking to his love of the outdoors.
Real Estate/Real Property
Business & Commercial
Employment
Personal Injury
Entertainment
Professional Malpractice
Insurance
General
“Judge Solner is skilled at winnowing the facts to narrow the focus of a case. He is an advocate for settlement. He tries to get the parties to engage and resolve their differences.”
“Judge Solner is one of the small group of mediators I always want to use. People respect him, believe him, and he’s able to get people to get together.”
“Judge Solner is terrific. He is well prepared, extremely knowledgeable about the law, commands respect and quickly develops a rapport with the litigants. He’s an expert at defusing and overcoming obstacles.”
“Judge Solner is like a mild-mannered Clark Kent. He was always in control of the hearing but extremely courteous to everyone. He took a lot of time to get facts from witnesses. He gave everybody as much time as they needed to put on their case.”
“Judge Solner is one of the best neutrals in California. In arbitrations, he is tough and fair and not afraid to make a ruling. He kept everything right on track and kept us moving. He truly doesn’t seem to favor the plaintiff or defendant. He looks at the law and the facts.”
“I was very impressed with Judge Solner. It was a very, very difficult case with very difficult adversarial parties and a lot of procedural issues he had to deal with. I thought he was very fair and focused and made the rulings he felt he had to. He was always in control.”
“Judge Solner is a seasoned pro. Excellent neutral/mediator”
