Hon. Suzanne Ramos Bolanos (Ret.)

San Francisco

Employment, Commercial Contract, Product Liability

When litigators need a mediator who understands the realities of trial, they often turn to Hon. Suzanne Ramos Bolanos (Ret.), whose mediation and arbitration practice focuses on employment, complex commercial, and product liability disputes.

Drawing on more than two decades as a trial judge, Judge Bolanos helps parties anticipate the realities of the courtroom--from presenting evidence before a jury to navigating evidentiary rulings and confronting the unpredictability of verdicts. This practical perspective allows litigants to realistically evaluate risk and often helps move negotiations toward informed and durable resolutions.

During her tenure on the San Francisco Superior Court, Judge Bolanos was repeatedly designated by Presiding Judges to serve as a civil settlement judge entrusted with resolving complex and high-stakes disputes, earning the trust of both plaintiff and defense counsel. Known for her patient but persistent approach, she works closely with attorneys to move negotiations past impasse while ensuring that parties feel heard and understood.

Judge Bolanos is known for a thoughtful but engaged mediation style, combining careful preparation with a willingness to ask direct questions that help parties evaluate both legal risk and practical outcomes. Fluent in English and Spanish, she communicates effectively with diverse litigants and works to build trust with counsel and clients alike. She remains actively engaged throughout the mediation process and, when appropriate, continues working with the parties after the session to help bring negotiations to resolution.

Before joining the bench, Judge Bolanos served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of California. Earlier in her career, she worked on national policy as Counsel to Senator Edward Kennedy and as Special Assistant to Domestic Policy to Vice President Al Gore. She made history as the first Latina appointed to the San Francisco Superior Court and served for more than a decade on the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions Committee.

Judgebolanos@adrservices.com
(415) 772-0900
www.judgebolanos.com