3.11: Beyond the Bench: Shaping Justice in Alternative Dispute Resolution

How does the heart of a retired judge continue to impact the legal profession through alternative means? In this thought-provoking episode of The Heart of Law, join our perceptive host, Mirena Umizaj, as she welcomes the Honorable Judge Randa Trapp to explore her inspiring transition from the San Diego Superior Court to her new role as a neutral with Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS). Together, they discuss the importance of diversity in the legal sector and the transformative power of victim narratives in forging a more personalized path toward justice and healing.

From the disciplined decks of the U.S. Navy to the esteemed bench of the San Diego County Superior Court, Judge Randa Trapp's career epitomizes a journey of resilience, dedication, and unparalleled service. As an alumna of San Jose State University and a respected veteran of the U.S. Navy, her formative experiences laid a robust foundation for her illustrious legal career. This relentless dedication propelled her into a prestigious role as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of San Diego School of Law, where she spent nearly two decades mentoring the future generation of legal professionals. Subsequently, her appointment to the San Diego County Superior Court by Governor Gray Davis in 2003 marked a significant milestone in her career, as she became the third-ever African American female judge to grace the bench of the third-largest court in the United States. Following her retirement in March 2021, Judge Randa Trapp continues to influence the legal landscape through her work with JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide.

As the episode unfolds, Judge Randa Trapp takes a moment to reflect on her circuitous professional journey, emphasizing that her path to the legal sector was anything but linear. Starting her adult life in the tumultuous sixties without professional role models to guide her, she embarked on her undergraduate studies with aspirations of becoming a pharmacist. However, her career trajectory underwent a significant transformation when she paused her academic pursuits to serve in the Navy, an experience she acknowledges as pivotal in shaping her personal development and igniting her passion to effect positive change in the world. Motivated by this newfound purpose, she transitioned to studying political science and eventually made her way to Georgetown University Law Center. Embracing her journey's unique twists and turns, she often shares her story to inspire young individuals contemplating a future in law, emphasizing the importance of keeping an open mind because "the law is multifaceted."

As the conversation deepens, Mirena probes into Judge Randa Trapp's tenure as a judge, leading her to reflect on this period as a defining highlight of her career. She fondly recalls the tradition of starting every jury trial with a flag ceremony to instill reverence and set the tone for the justice process that lay ahead. Shifting the discussion toward diversity within the legal sector, Mirena explores Judge Randa Trapp's commitment to promoting inclusivity within African American and broader minority communities. Judge Randa Trapp elaborates on her active engagement in these communities, emphasizing its significance in enabling young children of color to envision themselves in similar roles of influence, thereby nurturing their aspirations and dreams. Furthermore, she underscores the importance of establishing a judiciary diverse in gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity to represent the community the court intends to serve authentically.

As their conversation draws to a close, Mirena delves into Judge Randa Trapp's seamless transition to JAMS, where her unwavering commitment to justice takes on a new form in the complex field of mass torts. Through her role, she offers a unique platform for victims to share their stories, often for the first time, facilitating a healing process that transcends monetary compensation. Building on this foundation, Judge Randa Trapp further highlights the essential role of mass torts in securing justice for a multitude of aggrieved individuals. She emphasizes that it takes a "special kind of lawyer" to navigate this complex area, underscoring the importance of assembling the right team to ensure that each case receives the attention and advocacy it rightfully deserves. In this vein, Judge Randa Trapp's unwavering dedication to meaningful impact, underscores a deep commitment to justice and healing, cementing her as an indispensable figure in the legal community and the individuals she serves.