Judge William F. Highberger: Comprehensive Profile - Analytics, Rulings, and Recent Cases

CA Bar #: 66187 (January 1976)

NY Bar #: 1917947

Appointed By: Gov. Peter Barton Wilson

Biography

Overview

The Hon. William F. Highberger is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California[1]. Highberger was appointed to the bench by former Governor Pete Wilson in 1998, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Richard Harris[2].

Highberger's bench assignments have included juvenile matters, criminal matters, and a fast-tracked general jurisdiction civil calendar[1]. He was assigned to the Complex Civil Litigation Program in 2001[1]. By 2008, his docket there included class actions, complex civil cases, Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings, insurance coverage disputes, derivative suits, and construction defect litigation[1]. Beginning in 2013, that docket shifted largely to wage-and-hour class actions. His court service has also included membership on the Court Facilities Advisory Committee and the Courthouse Cost Reduction Subcommittee.

In 2021, Highberger rejected an effort to use a peremptory strike to reassign the opioid litigation, a ruling later discussed as limiting the use of such challenges in complex cases[4]. A 2008 ruling by Highberger on the application of Proposition 51 to negligent-entrustment damages was later reversed by the Court of Appeal[5].

Educational background

Highberger earned an A.B. in public and international affairs from Princeton University in 1972[3]. At Columbia Law School, he completed a J.D. in 1975[3]. Highberger was also a James Kent Scholar and served as Notes and Comments Editor of the Columbia Law Review[3]. Between law school and bar admission, he clerked for William H. Timbers on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (1975 to 1976)[3]. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (January 1976).

Career history

After bar admission, Highberger joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (1976 to 1982) as an associate. In the years that followed, he joined the firm's partnership[3]. His practice centered on labor and employment litigation in the Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., offices, including representation of employers and employee benefit programs in civil litigation[3]. He remained in private practice there into 1998[3].

Highberger's professional memberships have included the American College of Business Court Judges, the American Law Institute, and fellowship in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers[3]. He also served as an adviser to the American Law Institute's projects on the Restatement of the Law, Employment Law, and the Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance[3]. In addition, Highberger taught as a lecturer in law at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law[1]. His writing and speaking have included articles for California Courts Review and the Daily Journal.

Personal life

Highberger was born in Suffern, New York, in 1950, the son of a Presbyterian minister[3]. As a teenager, he attended a boarding school in New Jersey on scholarship[3]. Highberger has said that he entered law school to improve his journalism skills and then remained after discovering an aptitude for legal work[3]. Outside the courtroom, he has been married to his wife, Carolyn B. Kuhl, who has served on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, and they have raised two daughters[3].

References

[1] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile
[2] Los Angeles Times (September 4, 1998)
[3] ABTL — Profile of William Highberger
[4] Judicature — A Unified Theory of Case Management
[5] Metropolitan News-Enterprise (December 31, 2008)

Recent Rulings by Hon. William F. Highberger

  • Sep 18, 2020 Los Angeles County

    20STCV07232 Mayoral v. Antelope Valley Fair Association

    September 18, 2020 Tentative Ruling

    Defense Motion for Sanctions Pursuant to C.C.P. §§ 128.5 and 128.7: Denied with no sanctions to either side.

    Plaintiff sued Antelope Valley Fair Association by that name. He has also produced...

  • Jun 22, 2020 Los Angeles County

    There are many serious problems with the motion papers filed May 27, 2020. It is denied without prejudice, and you are to resubmit a new motion package with the defects cured for hearing at some later date. There will be no appearances on June 22, 2020.

    1. You rely on purported co-plaintiff/class r...

  • Dec 19, 2019 Los Angeles County

    19STCP00925 Sandrew v. Project X Acquisition Corp.

    December 19, 2019 Tentative Rulings

    Demurrer: Sustain with leave to amend as to First through Fifth Causes of Action, overruled as to Sixth Cause of Action

    Motion for Bond: Grant in full

    Combined Discussion:

    The Comp...

  • Oct 09, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Motion To Confirm Arbitration Award or, in the alternative, to Grant Final Approval to class settlement:As Updated @ 1:54 P.M.Subject to two questions noted below, the Court is now fine in concept with granting the alternative request that final approval be granted as to the settlement. I do not intend to ...

  • Oct 09, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Tentative re OSC to Mr. Aumais and Girardi Firm re representation of pro per plaintiff Timothy Baker:For good cause shown in the response filed Sept. 17, 2019, the Court intends to discharge the OSC and not seek to appoint anyone else as court-appointed counsel for plaintiff.

    ...

  • Oct 09, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Re OSC to Mr. Aumais and Girardi Firm:See tentative posted under BC643365.

    ...

  • Sep 27, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Continued Hearing on Motion To Approve PAGA Settlement: Grant in full With the supplemental filings on Sept. 24, 2019, all of the Court's concerns have been addressed. Feel free to appear via CourtCall.

    ...

  • Sep 06, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Motion For Order To Release Money Deposited in lieu of Bond: Granted Notice is proper, good cause for the relief requested is shown, and no Opposition has been filed.

    ...

  • Aug 27, 2019 Los Angeles County

    OSC re Default Judgment:The papers are generally in good order, and the Court is prepared to approve the Default Judgment on the terms sought with one issue: There is a discrepancy in Hugo Gamez Declaration as to the amount of time spent on the case. In paragraph 17 total hours of 25.5 are stated. Thereaft...

  • Jun 04, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Three Motions To Compel: Grant in partService of the motions by mail was timely if the count starts with 16 court days from the May 7 service date and then 5 calendar days are added for mail service. Service of the motions by mail was not timely if one counts BACK from hearing date of June 4 by 16 court da...

  • Jun 04, 2019 Los Angeles County

    Three Motions To Compel: Grant in partService of the motions by mail was timely if the count starts with 16 court days from the May 7 service date and then 5 calendar days are added for mail service. Service of the motions by mail was not timely if one counts BACK from hearing date of June 4 by 16 court da...

  • May 28, 2019 Los Angeles County

    18STCV10280 IRDC v. Alvarez

    May 28, 2019 Tentative

    Plaintiff’s Motions To Compel Discovery And Deem Matters Admitted: Grant in part, denied in part

    The relevant facts are the same for all three motions. After defendant was served with the summons & Complaint, plaintiff served defend...

  • Mar 05, 2019 Los Angeles County

    BC678908 IRDC v. Mendez

    March 5, 2019 Tentative

    Plaintiff’s Motion For Attorney Fees: Denied as untimely

    The Judgment supported by the written Stipulation for same was filed July 17, 2018. Per CRC 3.1702(b)(1), 8.104 and 8.108, prevailing plaintiff had 180 calendar days from entry o...

  • Mar 05, 2019 Los Angeles County

    BC678905 IRDC v. Rodriguez

    March 5, 2019 Tentative

    Plaintiff’s Motion For Attorney Fees: Granted in part

    The motion is timely, filed well within the applicable limits following entry of Judgment on December 12, 2018. On the merits, the Court adopts some of Defendant’s arguments and ...

  • Mar 05, 2019 Los Angeles County

    BC679373 IRDC v. Obergh

    March 5, 2019 Tentative

    Plaintiff’s Motion For Attorney Fees: Granted in part

    The motion is timely, filed well within the applicable limits following entry of Judgment on September 19, 2018 since no formal Notice Of Entry Of Judgment was given in this case by...

  • Mar 05, 2019 Los Angeles County

    BC678911 IRDC v. Cheng

    March 5, 2019 Tentative

    Plaintiff’s Motion For Attorney Fees: Denied as untimely

    The Judgment supported by the written Stipulation for same was filed August 27, 2018. Plaintiff gave written Notice Of Entry Of Judgment on September 17, 2018, as confirmed by his...

  • Dec 31, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Hearing on Motion trailed to Wednesday Jan. 2, 2019 at 10 a.m. in Dept. SS10.On merits, court intends to deny for reasons set forth in Opposition and Defense Attorney Cajina's Declaration. Defendant's discovery responses were served in late June 2018, and this motion was not brought until 120 days or more ...

  • Dec 31, 2018 Los Angeles County

    The hearing date is continued from Dec. 31, 2018 to Wednesday Jan. 2, 2019 at 10:15 a.m.

    Trial date is Jan. 14, 2019. Discovery motion cut-off is therefore Sunday Dec. 30, extended to next working day Monday Dec. 31, 2018, so the motion is timely. The further continuance of the hearing day for the ...

  • Dec 28, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Ramessar v. Nationwide Protective Services, Inc., BC690781

    Court’s Tentative Ruling on Defendant’s Motion for Sanctions (Code Civ. Proc., § 128.5)

    The Court has jurisdiction to hear the motion even though the underlying claims have been dismissed. Cf. Eichenbaum v. Alon (2003) 106 Cal.App.4...

  • Sep 20, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Demurrer: OverruleThe factual allegations re lack of bond are sufficient, and there is more pled. AB638 did not pass and plaintiff has a legal right to bring this suit under preexisting, still operative law.Anti-SLAPP Motion: Denied with fees and costs awarded to prevailing plaintiff per C.C.P. sec. 425.16...

  • Sep 20, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Demurrer: OverruleThe factual allegations re lack of bond are sufficient and there is more than that pled. AB638 did not pass and plaintiff has a legal right to bring this suit under preexisting, still operative law.Anti-SLAPP Motion: Denied with fees and costs awarded to prevailing plaintiff per C.C.P. se...

  • Sep 20, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Demurrer: OverruleThe factual allegations re lack of bond are sufficient. AB638 did not pass and plaintiff has a legal right to bring this suit under preexisting, still operative law.Anti-SLAPP Motion: Denied with fees and costs awarded to prevailing plaintiff per C.C.P. sec. 425.16(c)(1). The motion was u...

  • Sep 20, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Case Number: BC678919 Hearing Date: September 20, 2018 Dept: 10

    Demurrer: OverruleThe factual allegations re lack of bond are sufficient. AB638 did not pass and plaintiff has a legal right to bring this suit under preexisting, still operative law.Anti-SLAPP Motion: Denied with fees and costs awarde...

  • Aug 29, 2018 Los Angeles County

    Tentative re Demurrer:Overrule as to 1st C/A and class allegationsSustain with leave to amend as to 2nd C/A and 3rd C/A. Paragraph 11 and 31 too conclusory as to pleading of UCL injury. Paragraph 34 does not plead theory in Opposition brief that contract should have continued such that this is a Declarator...

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Recent Cases by Hon. William F. Highberger

On November 10, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

Filed

Nov 10, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 12, 2026

On November 10, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

Filed

Nov 10, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 12, 2026

On November 9, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

Filed

Nov 09, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 12, 2026

On November 6, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 06, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 10, 2026

On November 6, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 06, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 10, 2026

On November 5, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 05, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 06, 2026

On November 5, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 05, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 06, 2026

On November 4, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 04, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 05, 2026

On November 4, 2026 an other complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 04, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Complaint (non-tort/non-complex) (General Jurisdiction)

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 05, 2026

On November 2, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Nov 02, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 04, 2026

On October 30, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

Filed

Oct 30, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 03, 2026

On October 30, 2026 an other non-personal injury/property damage/wrongful death tort (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 30, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

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

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 03, 2026

On October 30, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 30, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 02, 2026

On October 30, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 30, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 02, 2026

On October 29, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 29, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 30, 2026

On October 28, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 28, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 28, 2026

On October 26, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

Filed

Oct 26, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 27, 2026

On October 26, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

5 Files
Filed

Oct 26, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 27, 2026

On October 26, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 26, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 27, 2026

On October 23, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 26, 2026

On October 22, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 22, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 21, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 21, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge William F. Highberger presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026