Judge Kirk H. Nakamura (Retired): Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

CA Bar #: 94200 (December 1980)

Appointed By: Gov. Joseph Graham Davis, Jr.

Biography

The Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura (Ret.) served as a judge on the Orange County Superior Court in California. Nakamura was appointed to the bench by former Governor Gray Davis in 2001, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Robert Thomas. He retired in 2021 and joined JAMS.


Prior to his appointment, Nakamura was a partner at Beam, Brobeck, West & Sullivan, a legal practice he joined in 1985. Before that, he spent five years as an associate at Shield & Smith (1980 to 1985). He specialized in complex civil litigation, representing clients in multi-party land subsidence, construction defect, asbestos, catastrophic multi-party injury, government entity, police misconduct, and inverse condemnation matters.


Nakamura earned a bachelor’s degree in biological science from the University of California, Irvine, in 1977. He then completed a J.D. at Duke University School of Law in 1980.


His memberships have included the Orange County Asian American Bar Association, the Orange County Japanese American Lawyers Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the California Judges Association, and the William P. Gray / Lex Legion American Inn of Court. He has also been involved with the Yorba Linda Planning Commission, and he has served on the Judicial Advisory Board of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers.


He is a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the Orange County Asian American Bar Association (2008), the Trailblazer Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (2011), the George Francis Civility Award from the American Board of Trial Advocates (2013), the Judge of the Year Award from the Constitutional Rights Foundation (2017), the Judges Night Award from the Japanese American Bar Association (2019), the Harmon Scoville Award from the Orange County Bar Association (2020), and the Marcus M. Kaufman Jurisprudence Award from the Anti-Defamation League (2024).


Raised in Orange County, California, Nakamura attended Walt Disney Elementary School, Brookhurst Junior High School, and Savanna High School. When not presiding over legal proceedings, he enjoys golfing and fishing.

Recent Rulings by Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura

  • Sep 09, 2021 Orange County

    Pham vs. Plasma Ruggedized Solutions Inc 2019-01086573

    ...

  • Aug 12, 2021 Orange County

    Carballo vs. Professional Cabinet Solutions 2021-01177464

    ...

  • Aug 16, 2019 Orange County

    Motion for Reconsideration
    The motion by Defendants and Cross-Complainants Roger Artz, as Trustee of the Plaza Del Sol Real Estate Trust and Morris Cerullo World Evangelism for reconsideration of this Court’s June 6, 2019 order denying the peremptory challenge is ordered moot.

    ...

  • Orange County

    Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement The hearing on this motion is continued to November 12, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in Department C16 so that Plaintiff may address the issues identified below. It is not necessary for Plaintiff to resubmit briefing which has already been filed with the Cour...

  • Orange County

    The Demurrer to the Complaint brought by Defendant Windsor Capital Group, Inc., seeking a plea in abatement and asserting the rule of exclusive concurrent jurisdiction, is SUSTAINED in its entirety. This action shall be stayed, pending resolution of the actions identified in Defendant’s Request for Judicia...

  • Orange County

    1. Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice (re: Howard M. Bushman) The hearing on the application of Howard M. Bushman to appear pro hac vice on behalf of Plaintiff is continued to November 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm in order to cure the following defect: the applicant must file proof of service of the application on all p...

  • Orange County

    Motion for Final Approval of Class Action Settlement In granting preliminary approval of the settlement on March 11, 2021 (ROA 202), the Court set forth the requirements for final approval, and set a filing deadline 10 court days prior to this hearing. The Court’s order has not been complied with as no suc...

  • Orange County

    1. Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement 2. Status Conference The hearing on this motion and status conference is continued to November 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Department CX105 so that Plaintiff may address the issues identified below. It is not necessary for Plaintiff to resubmit br...

  • Orange County

    The Demurrer to the Complaint brought by Defendant All American Asphalt is OVERRULED in part and SUSTAINED, in part. Initially, the portion of the Demurrer which challenges the First and Second Causes of Action based on Civil Code §3482 and C.C.P. §731a, is OVERRULED. While these provisions offer protectio...

  • Orange County

    1. Motion for Determination of Good Faith Settlement (Messih) Defendant Raymond A. Messih seeks settlement approval per CCP § 877.6(a)(1). The unchallenged evidence shows the $10,000 settlement with Plaintiffs was entered into in good faith within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure section 877.6(a)(2)....

  • Orange County

    Motion to Compel Response to Requests for Admissions: OFF CALENDAR

    ...

  • Orange County

    1. Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice (re: Gregory L. Mast) The unopposed application of Gregory L. Mast (ROA 177) for pro hac vice admission is GRANTED. The application complies with the requirements of CRC 9.40. Moving party is ordered to give notice. 2. Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice (re: Taryn M. Kadar) The ...

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Recent Cases by Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura

On July 19, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jul 19, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 05, 2023

On July 15, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jul 15, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 06, 2023

On July 9, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jul 09, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2025

On July 7, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jul 07, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

May 30, 2025

On July 1, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jul 01, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 06, 2023

On June 29, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

5 Files
Filed

Jun 29, 2021

Status

Summary Judgment

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Economic Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 24, 2025

On June 23, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 23, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Eminent Domain

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 06, 2023

On June 22, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 22, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 27, 2025

On June 17, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 17, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 27, 2025

On June 17, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 17, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 05, 2023

On June 16, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 16, 2021

Status

Transfer

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 07, 2023

On June 14, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 14, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

Writs

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 05, 2023

On June 14, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 14, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 27, 2025

On June 10, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 10, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Eminent Domain

Case Last Refreshed

May 27, 2025

On June 7, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 07, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 07, 2023

On June 3, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 03, 2021

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 28, 2025

On June 3, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 03, 2021

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 28, 2025

On June 1, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

Jun 01, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Toxic,Environmental

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 06, 2023

On May 26, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

May 26, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 06, 2023

On May 25, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

May 25, 2021

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Economic Torts

Case Last Refreshed

May 28, 2025

On May 21, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2021

Status

Non-Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

May 28, 2025

On May 18, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

May 18, 2021

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 28, 2025

On May 18, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

May 18, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 10, 2023

On May 17, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Orange County. Judge Kirk H. Nakamura presiding.

Filed

May 17, 2021

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Kirk H. Nakamura Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Kirk H. Nakamura

Court

Orange County

County

Orange County, CA

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

May 28, 2025