Hon. Judith Ashmann-Gerst (Ret.)

Hon. Judith Ashmann-Gerst (Ret.) brings over 44 years of distinguished judicial and legal experience to her role as a mediator at Signature Resolution. Known for being fair, thorough, and collegial, she approaches cases with patience and a deep commitment to listening. Her work at the trial and appellate levels has given her a deep knowledge of the law and the ability to see the big picture when making decisions.

When presiding over a case, Justice Ashmann-Gerst strives to make the parties comfortable with her and the process. Then, she carefully weighs every relevant legal and human factor, examining the issues from all angles. In doing so, she considers how juries, judges, and appellate courts would respond to the case. She never rushes to judgment. This approach allows her to identify the pivotal issues and guide the parties toward lasting, well-reasoned outcomes.

Her judicial career began in 1981 with her appointment to the Los Angeles Municipal Court, where she presided over criminal trials, arraignments, preliminary hearings, and civil matters, eventually serving as Supervising Judge of the Van Nuys and Encino branch. In 1986, she was elected to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. There, she handled a wide array of criminal and civil cases, served as Supervising Judge of the North Valley District, and managed complex writs, receiverships, and individual civil calendars. She joined the California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division Two, in 2001, spending more than two decades authoring opinions in civil, criminal, family, dependency and probate matters.

Among her most notable cases was an entertainment industry royalty dispute involving the estate of late Michael Jackson, and legendary music producer Quincy Jones. She also oversaw a significant breach of contract case on behalf of City of Hope, in which the institution secured a $500 million verdict. These landmark cases reflect her ability to manage intricate legal issues, navigate high-stakes litigation, and deliver well-reasoned decisions.

Beyond her courtroom duties, Justice Ashmann-Gerst has been a leader in judicial education, ethics, and the advancement of courtroom technology. She chaired the Judicial Technology Education Committee, and the Appellate e-Filing Working Group. Justice Ashmann-Gerst served on the California Judicial Council and its various committees. She has taught at the California Judicial College, the Appellate Justices Institute, and the Continuing Judicial Studies Program. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple “Judge of the Year” awards and the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s Woman of Achievement honor.

Justice Ashmann-Gerst now brings this same dedication, preparation, and open-mindedness to her work as a neutral. Whether mediating a complicated commercial dispute, arbitrating a contested probate matter, or facilitating settlement in a high-profile entertainment case, she applies her hallmark approach: listening carefully, weighing all perspectives, and working diligently toward resolution.

In her day-to-day life, Justice Ashmann-Gerst is an active skier and hiker. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.