Hon. Lynn O’Malley Taylor (Ret.)
Lynn O’Malley Taylor, JD, is a Mediator and Arbitrator at JAMS, bringing over 35 years of distinguished experience as a trial court judge. In 1982, she became the first woman elected to the Marin County court and went on to serve three times as presiding judge. Over the course of her judicial career, she also served in Contra Costa, Sonoma, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, Orange, and San Francisco counties, including seven years in the San Francisco Superior Court as part of the Judicial Council’s Assigned Judges Program. Her tenure on the bench was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, efficiency, and fairness.
As supervising civil law judge in Marin County, Judge Taylor successfully eliminated the court’s civil backlog by settling longstanding cases and implementing realistic case management schedules. She championed mediation, requiring settlement conferences for unresolved cases, and worked collaboratively with mediation-trained attorneys and experts to resolve hundreds of disputes. Her judicial portfolio includes complex multi-party construction, engineering, investment fraud, banking, civil rights, employment, personal injury, property, and malpractice cases, reflecting a breadth of legal expertise.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Taylor is widely respected for her fairness, kindness, and professionalism. She continues to contribute to legal education, serving as faculty for programs at Stanford Law School, University of San Francisco Law School, and the California Judicial College. Most recently, she taught Advanced Settlement Conferences at the Center for Judicial Education and Research, sharing her extensive knowledge in alternative dispute resolution with the next generation of legal professionals.
• San Francisco School of Law - JD
• Cum Laude
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning. I have absolutely loved working with the JAMS “family” in arbitration, where the focus on thoughtful resolution and professional camaraderie has been truly rewarding. One of my most significant accomplishments was leading the civil division, overseeing all civil cases, and spearheading a collaborative initiative that involved every judge in the court. This effort resulted in the resolution of 100 overdue cases in a single week—an achievement that highlights the power of teamwork and strategic coordination. I am also particularly proud of serving on the committee that drafted the state’s new jury instructions, a project that has had a lasting impact on the judicial process.
I have been fortunate to break new ground throughout my career. I was the first woman in my county to run against and win a seat as a city judge. Over 21 years as an active judge, I served first in municipal court and later in the Superior Court, focusing primarily on civil cases toward the latter part of my tenure. Following retirement, I continued to contribute through the Retired Judges Program, serving as a substitute judge and bringing my experience to support the justice system in meaningful ways.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from two incredible mentors early in my career. The late Jim Kennedy, an exceptional attorney I had the privilege to work with, gave me responsibility from the start and took a chance on me. His guidance and unwavering support were instrumental in shaping my career. Similarly, the late Norbert Baybin, who worked alongside my husband in insurance defense, provided me with opportunities to expand my expertise and encouraged me to grow professionally. Their mentorship taught me the value of trust, opportunity, and continuous learning, lessons I carry with me to this day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the legal field is to choose the best law school you can attend in the area where you want to live and build your career. If affordability is a concern, consider night school while you’re young and able to dedicate the time and energy. Focus on your studies, and make networking a priority—it can open doors that talent alone sometimes cannot. I also strongly recommend taking courses in negotiation and mediation, as these skills not only broaden your career opportunities but also teach you how to communicate effectively and listen with intention—essential skills for any successful attorney.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are connection, curiosity, and balance. I cherish opportunities to engage with others, whether through my monthly book club where I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction while socializing, or by spending quality time with my family and friends. Staying active and mindful is also a priority, from water aerobics at the YMCA to walking my beloved dogs.
I am passionate about photography, which allows me to capture meaningful moments and explore the world creatively. One of my most memorable experiences was taking my camera to Africa and capturing once-in-a-lifetime imagery. I also love photographing my family enjoying time on the lake and documenting everyday moments that tell our story. These experiences reflect my commitment to appreciating life’s richness, nurturing relationships, and celebrating both personal and professional growth.
Locations
JAMS
San Francisco, CA 94901