Dr. Goetz’s background as an educational entrepreneur, university president, judge pro tem, and law school dean provide a practical basis for resolving all types of business to business or business to consumer contractual and educational disputes. Dr. Goetz has been working at USC Gould School of Law since 2015, and currently teaches Mediation Theory and Practice for the LL.M. and M.D.R. programs. Previously he held mediation teaching positions at California State University at Northridge and Dominguez Hills.
University of Southern California Gould School of Law (since 2015): Currently teaching Mediation Theory and Practice, Educational Solutions 4 Change, Inc.: Teaching conflict resolution.
Board Member, Southern California Mediation Association (2015-2019), serving as its Secretary (2016), President-elect (2017), and President (2018), President, MC3, Arbitrator and Mediator, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Attorney-Client Mediation and Arbitration Services (since 2008), Vice Chair, 2014-2021, Civil Mediator Approved Panel, Ventura County Superior Court.<br/> <br/>
2015-present: University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Currently teaching Mediation Theory and Practice, 2015-present: Educational Solutions 4 Change, Inc., Teaching conflict resolution, 2008-2014: California State University at Northridge and Dominguez Hills, Teaching Mediation, 2006: President, LA Campus, American Intercontinental University, <br/>1997-2004: Founding Dean and President, Concord Law School, now part of Purdue University Global, 1979-1997: Various managerial positions at Fortune 500 firms, overseeing high states test preparation programs for bar examinations, LSAT, SAT, etc.<br/>
Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 2009-present; Arbitrator, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Attorney-Client fee disputes (2008-present).<br/>
Over 500 cases heard as a Mediator, over 50 cases heard as an Arbitrator
Business Civil (general), Commercial Contracts, Professional Fees, Education, Employment, Landlord – Tenant, Real Estate<br/><br/>
The goal is to settle and based on the hundreds of cases I have mediated, that is our most probable result.<br/><br/>But settlement is not a one-day event; it begins the moment Dr. Goetz receives your matter. After confidentiality is memorialized in writing, he begins discussions with pre-mediation Zooms and potentially some exchanges of documents. Discussions are thorough and result oriented—what risk, economic and otherwise, do the parties incur by not reaching a mediated settlement? A study of California cases revealed that, in cases that did not settle, 61% of the time plaintiffs received better offers in mediation than the ultimate trial or arbitration results. Dr. Goetz believes his job is to generate offers that, in weighing all possible outcomes, are in an acceptable range to consider settlement for both sides. It is also his job to use his economics and practical background to work with counsel and the parties on their risk assessment as a way to negotiate the best possible outcome, within a realistic and reasonable range, so that the parties do not end up on the wrong side of the 61% statistic.<br/><br/>Dr. Goetz’s experience as a mediator, law school dean, temporary judge and arbitrator provides him a sense of equity and fairness that ensures a fair process for all parties involved. His focus on listening and facilitating understanding is at the center of his practice. Your matter will be handled expeditiously and with all avenues for settlement fully explored.
Technology proficient, including but not limited to, Zoom, Docusign, and most Microsoft Office applications.
Ph.D. Capella University (2006), M.B.A. Pepperdine University (1990), J.D. Boston University School of Law (1979), B.A.-Economics, San Diego State University (1976).
State Bar of California (1979)
AAA Affiliate Panel, MC-3 Certified Mediator, FINRA Panel of Arbitrators (since 2008), Los Angeles County Bar Association Arbitrator and Mediator--Attorney-Client Fee issues (since 2008)
Threats to Mediation Confidentiality Post-Girardi -- How Mediators can Better Protect the Parties’ Process and the Mediator’s Practice (SCMA Annual Conference 2023), How to Achieve the Best Outcome for your client at Mediation (SCMA Webinar, March, 2023), Higher Ethics in Mediation (SCMA Annual Conference 2022).<br/>
$4,000 Per Day
English
Agoura Hills, CA
The AAA’s Rules provide the AAA with the authority to administer a mediation including, mediator appointment, general oversight and billing. Accordingly, mediations that proceed without AAA administration are not considered AAA mediations, even when the parties select an mediator who is on the AAA’s Roster.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
