Judge Ian C. Fusselman

Judge Ian C. Fusselman brings a distinctive hybrid background to Department at Stanley Mosk Courthouse: nearly 15 years as a civil litigator at a prominent plaintiffs' firm (Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire), followed by a pivot to mediation and ADR work before his 2021 appointment by Governor Newsom. This trajectory is not incidental — it fundamentally shapes his courtroom demeanor and judicial priorities. Attorneys who have observed him in high-profile matters describe a judge who prizes efficiency, active listening, and pragmatic resolution over procedural formalism. His mediation background means he is acutely attuned to the dynamics of settlement and the realistic value of cases, and he is likely to push parties toward resolution where appropriate. The most concrete public data point available is his conduct during the 2025 Cardi B civil assault trial. His decision to fine a lawyer $1,500 for an improper question about gang affiliation signals a judge who enforces evidentiary and professional conduct rules firmly and without hesitation — and who will not allow courtroom theatrics or inflammatory tactics to derail proceedings. This is a judge who has seen litigation from the inside as a partner-level trial attorney and will quickly recognize when counsel is overreaching, grandstanding, or wasting the court's time. Overall, Judge Fusselman appears to be a case-management-oriented jurist who rewards preparation, directness, and professionalism. His plaintiffs'-side litigation background at a firm known for high-stakes civil cases suggests familiarity with damages arguments, expert witnesses, and jury dynamics. Attorneys should expect a judge who is engaged, knowledgeable about civil procedure, and unlikely to be impressed by volume of paper or rhetorical flourish over substance.

Attorneys appearing before Judge Fusselman should lead with efficiency and substance. Given his mediation background, he will likely have already formed a preliminary view of the case's settlement value and litigation posture before hearings. Come prepared to discuss not just legal arguments but the practical resolution landscape — he will respect counsel who has thought seriously about the case's realistic trajectory. In motion practice, prioritize concise, well-organized briefs that get to the point quickly; his litigation experience means he can spot padding and will not reward it. On evidentiary and professional conduct matters, the Cardi B trial fine is instructive: Judge Fusselman will act swiftly and financially when counsel crosses lines, particularly around inflammatory or prejudicial questioning. Attorneys should rigorously pre-screen their examination questions and avoid any tactic that could be characterized as improper character attacks or irrelevant prejudicial material. Do not assume that high-profile clients or aggressive litigation styles will be tolerated — the record suggests the opposite. Because Judge Fusselman spent years as a mediator at ADR Services, he likely has a sophisticated understanding of how parties communicate past each other and where disputes actually break down. Use this to your advantage in hearings by framing arguments in terms of practical outcomes and equitable resolution, not just legal technicality. If you represent a party resistant to settlement, be prepared for the judge to probe that position directly. Conversely, if your client has a strong case, be ready to articulate why resolution on favorable terms is warranted.

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  Audit All Examination Questions for Evidentiary Propriety

  Before any trial or evidentiary hearing, rigorously review every planned examination question for potential impropriety — particularly questions touching on character, prior bad acts, gang affiliation, or inflammatory personal history. The Cardi B trial fine demonstrates Judge Fusselman will sanction counsel on the spot without extended warning.

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  Prepare a Concise Case Management Statement

  Given his efficiency-focused reputation, prepare a tight, realistic case management proposal for any CMC or scheduling conference. Include proposed deadlines, realistic trial estimates, and a candid assessment of settlement posture. Judges with mediation backgrounds respond well to counsel who demonstrate self-awareness about their case.

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  Develop a Clear Settlement Position and Rationale

  Anticipate that Judge Fusselman may probe settlement posture at multiple points. Whether your client is open to or resistant to settlement, prepare a clear, principled explanation. Vague or evasive answers about settlement will likely frustrate a judge who spent years as a professional mediator.

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  Brief Damages and Liability with Equal Depth

  His plaintiffs'-side background means he is sophisticated about damages theories and will not be impressed by superficial treatment of either liability or damages. Both sides should prepare thorough, evidence-grounded damages analyses and anticipate probing questions from the bench.

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  Research His USC Law School and Litigation Background for Argument Framing

  USC Gould School of Law has a strong emphasis on practical lawyering and interdisciplinary approaches. Framing arguments in terms of practical outcomes, fairness, and real-world impact — rather than purely abstract legal doctrine — may resonate with his educational and professional background.

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  Prepare for Active Bench Questions During Oral Argument

  His reputation as an active listener who engages with parties suggests he may ask substantive questions during hearings. Prepare for bench questions by anticipating the weakest points in your argument and having clear, honest answers ready rather than deflecting.

• ›Do not ask questions during examination that lack proper evidentiary foundation or that introduce inflammatory character evidence — Judge Fusselman has demonstrated willingness to impose immediate monetary sanctions for such conduct.
• ›Be punctual and fully prepared for all hearings; his efficiency-oriented reputation suggests he will not look favorably on requests for continuances based on inadequate preparation.
• ›Respect the court's time by keeping arguments focused and avoiding repetition — his background as both a litigator and mediator means he will recognize when counsel is padding arguments or filibustering.
• ›Engage respectfully and directly when the judge asks questions from the bench; his reputation as an active listener suggests he expects substantive dialogue, not rote recitation of briefs.
• ›Avoid courtroom theatrics or attempts to play to the gallery in high-profile matters — the Cardi B trial record suggests he prioritizes orderly, professional proceedings over dramatic advocacy.