Profile photo of Hon. Reva G. Goetz (Ret.)

Hon. Reva G. Goetz (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Los Angeles, CA, United States

About

Before entering private practice, Judge Goetz served for over three decades in the legal field, including 23 years on the bench. She spent a significant portion of her judicial career in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where she presided over high-profile probate, trust, and conservatorship matters. Her background also includes extensive experience as a family law judicial officer and a deputy district attorney. Prior to her legal career, she worked as an accountant, providing her with a unique perspective on complex financial disputes.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Estates & Probate Family Law & Divorce Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS
Judge
2015
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Commissioner
2001–2015
Los Angeles County Superior Court
1991–2001
Deputy District Attorney
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
1984–1991
Private Practice Attorney
Accountant
1981–1984
Various Firms (Prior to 1981)

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent lecturer on probate and trust litigation for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER)
  • Contributor to various legal publications regarding conservatorships and elder law
  • Speaker at the USC Gould School of Law Trust and Estate Conference
  • Panelist for the Los Angeles County Bar Association on family law and probate intersections

Positioning Takeaways

Judge Goetz is a premier choice for complex probate and family law disputes due to her extensive judicial tenure and financial expertise as a former accountant.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Inactive

Education

J.D.
Whittier College School of Law
1981
B.A.
University of California, Los Angeles

Distinction

Renowned for handling the high-profile Britney Spears conservatorship and possessing a dual background in law and accounting.

Reputation

She is widely regarded by legal professionals as a meticulous and fair neutral who excels at resolving emotionally charged and financially complex disputes. Peers often note her deep technical knowledge of the California Probate Code and her ability to manage difficult personalities in high-stakes litigation.