Hon. Keri G. Katz (Ret.)

Hon. Keri G. Katz (Ret.) joins Signature Resolution’s neutral panel, bringing over 37 years of experience in the legal community to her new role as mediator and arbitrator. Judge Katz is known for her ability to understand complex issues and apply practical solutions to resolve disputes with patience, empathy and persistence. ​

After earning her undergraduate degree in political science with an emphasis in public administration from the University of California, Los Angeles and her juris doctorate from California Western School of Law, Judge Katz began her career in 1986 as a deputy city attorney in San Diego. For nearly 21 years, she handled both civil plaintiff and defense cases concerning the City of San Diego. She rose through various attorney roles within the office, including serving as head deputy city attorney overseeing the public works division, which included all advisory and litigation attorneys. Her dedicated and innovative approach to solving disputes was further acknowledged when she was appointed as the assistant city attorney responsible for the civil division. Additionally, Judge Katz provided invaluable legal counsel to the city engineer, mayor and city council as a member of the mayor’s executive management team.​

​Judge Katz handled numerous cases across diverse legal specialties as a litigator and advisory attorney. Known for her ability to connect with attorneys and litigants to resolve disputes and navigate unique settlements, she advised all public works departments including the capital projects department and the city engineer. Judge Katz is responsible for settling several complex construction, professional liability, contract and property disputes. She also litigated various land use cases, including allegations of inverse condemnation and development rights.​

In February 2014, California’s governor recognized Judge Katz’s outstanding judicial demeanor and skill and appointed her as a Superior Court judge after sitting as a San Diego Superior Court commissioner. As a commissioner, she was assigned to various departments, including sitting as a judicial officer in the family law division of the Superior Court.​

Since assuming her position as a judge, she has overseen numerous trials in various assignments throughout the court including the court’s family and civil divisions. Judge Katz presided over a civil independent calendar department and handled a large variety of civil law matters including complex litigation with a focus on construction matters, including jury trials, motions, writs, and settlement conferences.​

Over her legal career as a litigator and a judge she presided over hundreds of legal proceedings involving construction, engineering and contractual disputes, while also navigating property damage and ownership disputes such as landslides, flooding, and easement issues. Finally, Judge Katz also litigated and heard personal injury, excessive force, vehicle accidents, and premises liability cases. ​

​Beyond her work as a lawyer and judge, Judge Katz has actively contributed to the legal community through education opportunities. She previously served as an adjunct law professor at California Western School of Law where she taught the practical application of civil law. She also instructed hundreds of attorneys on proper demeanor and bias prevention to qualify as temporary judges. She also completed her term as president of the San Diego County Judges’ Association. Outside of her legal duties, Judge Katz has dedicated her time volunteering for San Diego’s youth through various local organizations. ​

In her new role as a neutral with Signature Resolution, Judge Katz brings a formidable set of skills honed throughout her career, including her adeptness at navigating complex legal subjects with finesse and precision. Her commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for the parties remains unwavering, ensuring that settlements are not only reached but also effectively implemented. She advocates for empathy, patience and thorough exploration of settlement avenues giving all parties the ability to be heard and leveraging her expertise to navigate obstacles and steer discussions towards successful resolutions.