Judge Patrick A. Cathcart: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department retired

CA Bar #: 65413 (December 1975)

Appointed By: Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart (Ret.) was a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. Cathcart was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on December 27, 2012, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judith L. Champagne[1]. He retired in 2018, and Diego H. Edber succeeded him on the bench later that year[2].

During his judicial service, Cathcart presided over Amy Nabi v. Hatif Habib Nabi, a case in which the court appointed a receiver to manage a medical practice[3].

Educational background

Cathcart earned an A.B. in history from Stanford University in 1968. After college, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran from 1969 to 1971. He then worked as a paralegal at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP (1971 to 1972). At the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, he completed a J.D. in 1975. While in law school, Cathcart served as a research assistant to Arthur J. Goldberg, a former U.S. Supreme Court justice, from 1974 to 1975[4]. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1975)[5].

Career history

After graduating from law school, Cathcart clerked for Spencer Williams on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (1975 to 1977). He then joined Morrison & Foerster LLP (1977 to 1979) as an associate. In 1979, Cathcart moved to Hancock, Rothert & Bunshoft LLP (1979 to 2005). His practice there emphasized complex business litigation, insurance coverage actions, and professional liability matters. During that tenure, he became a partner. In 2005, Cathcart became a founding partner at Cathcart Collins LLP (2005 to 2008). He later joined Alvarado Smith APC (2008 to 2012) as a shareholder.

Cathcart later co-authored California Trial & Post-Trial Civil Procedure, a Matthew Bender practice guide first published in 2006, and he wrote “A New Defense for Insurers in Bad Faith Insurance Coverage Actions” for ABTL Reports that same year[4]. Among his professional memberships, Cathcart served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, was a member of the Chancery Club of Los Angeles, and worked on the Los Angeles Superior Court Central Civil Bench-Bar Liaison Committee. His honors included selection to Best Lawyers in America in 2006 and recognition as a Southern California SuperLawyer by Law & Politics Media, Inc., in 2003.

Personal life

Cathcart was born in Palo Alto, California, on September 28, 1945, and his grandfather taught at Stanford Law School in the early twentieth century[4]. Outside the courtroom, he enjoyed traveling, hiking, woodworking, carpentry, and golf. Biographical materials listed his wife, Joan Fornaciari Cathcart, and described him as the father of three children[4].

Cathcart is registered as a Democrat.

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (December 27, 2012)
[2] Governor of California Press Release (October 11, 2018)
[3] Court Receiver Denver — Receivership Specialists Case Appointments
[4] Cultural Competency in Family Practice — Cathcart CV
[5] State Bar of California Attorney Licensee Profile

Recent Cases by Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart

ERMIAS HAGOS, ET AL. VS KEVIN KIRKPATRICK, ET AL.

On August 11, 2026 a fraud (no contract) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Aug 11, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Fraud (no contract) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 25, 2026

IRISH ROVER ENTERTAINMENT, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ET AL. VS BOREN, OSHER & LUFTMAN, LLP, A LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP, ET AL.

On May 19, 2026 a petition to compel/confirm/vacate arbitration (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Status

Judgment on Award

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition to Compel/Confirm/Vacate Arbitration (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Arbitration

Matter Type

General Arbitration

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 08, 2026

PATRICK PHILLIPS, ET AL. VS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY, ET AL.

On March 4, 2026 a claims involving mass tort (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Mar 04, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Claims Involving Mass Tort (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Mass Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 14, 2026

KENDRA KUMMERER VS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, ET AL.

On March 3, 2026 a claims involving mass tort (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

1 File

Filed

Mar 03, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Claims Involving Mass Tort (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Mass Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 14, 2026

NATHALIE FINTZI VS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, ET AL.

On December 23, 2025 a claims involving mass tort (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

1 File

Filed

Dec 23, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Claims Involving Mass Tort (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Mass Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 11, 2026

ARBALLO FAMILY TRUST DATED 12/9/1991

On March 8, 2024 a trust (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Mar 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Trust (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Trusts

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 09, 2024

MELECIO ESTRADA, JR. VS PATRICK ALEXANDER HESTER

On September 12, 2023 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

3 Files

Filed

Sep 12, 2023

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Norwalk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2024

PATRICK A. MULLEN, ET AL. VS MALIACHI BROADWATER

On December 1, 2021 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Dec 01, 2021

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2023

MCKENNA RILEY FITZPATRICK VS DILAN PATEL

On November 29, 2021 an other personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

1 File

Filed

Nov 29, 2021

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Stanley Mosk

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 24, 2023

KIA PATRICK VS FIALELEI YEESEONG FINAU

On November 18, 2021 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Nov 18, 2021

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2023

IN THE MATTER OF: AVA MADISON JACOBSSON AWE BY AND THROUGH HER PARENTS JASON PATRICK AWE & LEAH MARLENE OSSLUND AWE

On August 13, 2021 a petition for change of name (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Aug 13, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition for Change of Name (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 16, 2023

REZNIK, ROBERT VS KALTMAN, JESSICA

On June 22, 2021 a dissolution w/ minor children (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Jun 22, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution w/ Minor Children (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 17, 2023

PATRICK ANDRESS, ET AL. VS DIRECT CONTACT SERVICES INC

On April 19, 2021 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Apr 19, 2021

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Inglewood

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 19, 2023

PATRICK ANDERSON VS COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

On March 19, 2021 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

7 Files

Filed

Mar 19, 2021

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 21, 2023

CARMENITA GOMEZ, ET AL. VS PATRICK ANDREW OROZCO, ET AL.

On February 4, 2020 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Feb 04, 2020

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 11, 2020

PATRICK ANTHONY JOHNSON VS SENTOR APARTMENTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

On November 12, 2019 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

15 Files

Filed

Nov 12, 2019

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 05, 2023

MARTIN PATRICK ALAIN DEGENNE, ET AL. VS BREEANNA ROCHELLE ELLSWORTH

On June 28, 2019 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

7 Files

Filed

Jun 28, 2019

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2023

PATRICK ANDREW TAYLOR, III VS LEONARDO COLON, III

On November 26, 2018 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Nov 26, 2018

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 05, 2021

OPTIO SOLUTIONS, LLC VS PATRICK ADDISON

On November 5, 2018 an other promissory note/collections case (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Nov 05, 2018

Status

Voluntary Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Promissory Note/Collections Case (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 02, 2021

VETA PATRICK VS LEERON GREEN, ET AL.

On July 17, 2018 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

17 Files

Filed

Jul 17, 2018

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 03, 2023

IWAO, PEARL KIM VS IWAO, DANIEL

On July 6, 2018 a dissolution w/o minor children (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Jul 06, 2018

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution w/o Minor Children (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 09, 2023

IWAO, DANIEL SEIJI VS IWAO, PEARL

On July 5, 2018 a dissolution w/o minor children (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Jul 05, 2018

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution w/o Minor Children (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 10, 2023

REDDICK, MARY BELL VS REDDICK, THOMAS

On June 28, 2018 a dissolution w/o minor children (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

Filed

Jun 28, 2018

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution w/o Minor Children (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 18, 2023

PATRICK ALLEN PRIEST, ET AL. VS RICHARD BANNISTER

On June 25, 2018 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Patrick A. Cathcart presiding.

7 Files

Filed

Jun 25, 2018

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Patrick A. Cathcart 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Patrick A. Cathcart

Court

Santa Monica

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 18, 2023

Discover if Hon. Cathcart is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

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About

Patrick A. Cathcart
Current Appointment Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired	Los Angeles County Superior Court, Retired
Education B.A., Stanford University - 1968 J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law - 1975	B.A., Stanford University - 1968 J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law - 1975

Documents related to Patrick A. Cathcart

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Los Angeles County Superior Court

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judge	Los Angeles Superior Court	Los Angeles County, California
Shareholder	Alvarado Smith APC	Los Angeles County, California
Partner	Cathcart Collins LLP	Los Angeles County, California
Partner	Hancock, Rothert, and Bunshoft LLP	Los Angeles County, California
Associate	Morrison and Foerster LLP	San Francisco County, California
Clerk	Hon. Spencer Williams, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California	None
Research Assistant	Hon. Arthur J. Goldberg (Ret.), U.S. Supreme Court Justice	None
Volunteer	U.S. Peace Corps	None
Paralegal	Munger, Tolles, and Olson LLP	Los Angeles County, California