Joann Rezzo

Joann Rezzo brings nearly 30 years of litigation experience and a dynamic, high-energy personality to Signature Resolution’s panel of neutrals. Known for her balanced approach, Joann represented both defendants and plaintiffs at trial, giving her the advantage of being able to truly understand both sides of every case. Because her litigation career was split evenly between representing defendants and plaintiffs, she understands each side’s unique perspective and knows how to unite parties to achieve a resolution. She brings the same level of detailed preparation to each of her mediations as she did for each of the cases she took to trial, often preparing her own detailed chronologies weaving together facts and evidence from each side.

Joann co-founded Edleson & Rezzo, where her practice involved both defending cases in which companies or individuals had been sued and initiating cases on behalf of plaintiffs. In addition to trying dozens of cases to verdict, she developed an affinity for mediation, serving as primary negotiator in the firm’s settlement conferences and mediations. There, her passion for mediation took root and she decided to become a full-time mediator, utilizing her extensive legal and trial experience to help parties resolve their disputes. Her specialties include employment, business and commercial litigation, fraud, insurance, personal injury, professional malpractice and tort disputes. ​

Before becoming a mediator, Joann’s legal career included serving as an attorney with DLA Piper (formerly Gray Cary Ware & Friedenrich), securing multi-million-dollar verdicts for blue collar workers and small business owners while also successfully defending high-profile, Fortune 500 clients like Southwest Airlines, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, John Hancock Insurance and Barr Laboratories. This range of clients enriches her understanding of the legal process, the challenges of resolving complex disputes, and the emotional hurdles often present in settlement negotiations. Through her collegial style and professionalism as a litigator, she earned the respect of opposing counsel, many of whom now use her as a mediator.​

​Joann obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of San Diego in 1993, graduating summa cum laude, and earned her juris doctorate from USC School of Law in 1996. After her first year of law school, she served as a summer extern for the Honorable John S. Rhoades, United States District Judge for the Southern District of California. Her educational background also includes continued mediation courses and training through Pepperdine University, the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the National Conflict Resolution Center. ​

​Joann is a member of the California State Bar and the San Diego and Los Angeles County Bar Associations as well as a participant in the Louis M. Welsh Chapter, American Inns of Court. She has been repeatedly selected for Best Lawyers in America, San Diego Magazine’s Top Lawyers and Super Lawyers. She received the Pro Bono Publico Distinguished Service Award in 2000, has been rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell since 2005, and was named a “Rising Star” litigator in California in 2014.​

​Joann brings her engaging style and tireless commitment to preparation to her role as a mediator. Combining meticulous research with empathetic listening, she is known for creating an environment where all parties feel heard and understood. ​

Beyond her legal expertise, Joann is passionate about helping parties achieve closure and move forward. Her balanced approach, honed through years of trial work and settlement negotiations, as well as her tireless preparation for each and every mediation she handles, ensures that every case receives the care and attention it deserves.