Noah D. Lebowitz

With nearly three decades devoted exclusively to employment law, Noah D. Lebowitz brings a rare depth of subject matter focus and credibility to his work as a mediator. Known for his direct, patient, and candid approach, Noah helps parties navigate complex workplace disputes with clarity, realism, and respect. His background representing individuals in high-stakes employment matters gives him a nuanced understanding of the legal, emotional, and practical forces that drive conflict, and positions him as a trusted guide through difficult negotiations.

Noah approaches mediation with the belief that meaningful resolution begins when parties feel heard and understood. He prioritizes honest dialogue and encourages clients to engage directly in the process, allowing him to fully appreciate the personal and professional stakes involved. His style is grounded in calm engagement, careful listening, and a willingness to address difficult issues directly. By fostering an environment where attorneys and clients can exchange views candidly and in good faith, he helps lower tension and refocus discussions on the core facts, risks, and paths to resolution.

Highly attuned to the dynamics in each mediation room, Noah adapts his approach to the needs of the parties and the moment. When negotiations stall, he draws on decades of hands-on negotiation experience to have thoughtful, direct conversations, often separately with counsel, to test assumptions and identify movement. His persistence, preparation, and commitment to transparency help parties confront reality without losing momentum, guiding them toward outcomes that are both practical and durable.

Before joining Signature Resolution, Noah built his career representing plaintiffs in employment matters across California. He began his practice focusing on disability access and discrimination during the early implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, developing a strong foundation in statutory interpretation and enforcement. He practiced at Schneider, McCormac and Wallace, later joining McGuinn, Hillsman and Palefsky, a leading plaintiff-side employment firm. In 2007, he co-founded Duckworth Peters Lebowitz Olivier, LLP, where he spent eleven years building a highly regarded employment practice. In 2018, he launched the Law Office of Noah D. Lebowitz, continuing his work representing employees in complex and emotionally-charged disputes.

In addition to his litigation background, Noah brings extensive experience as a neutral. He has served as an Arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association’s Employment and Consumer Panels and as a Judge Pro Tem for the San Francisco Superior Court for nine years, focusing exclusively on discovery disputes on subject-matters spanning the court’s entire civil docket. Noah subsequently has been appointed by multiple courts to serve as a discovery referee in both employment and other civil cases. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at UC Law San Francisco, reflecting his commitment to thoughtful analysis and legal education.

Noah has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2009 and is a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He has been an invited speaker on more than 40 continuing education panels discussing employment law topics. He has held numerous leadership roles within the employment law community, including serving on the executive committees of the labor and employment sections of both the State Bar of California and Bar Association of San Francisco, as well as the Executive Board of the California Employment Lawyers Association. Across every role, he is valued for his integrity, preparation, and ability to help parties move beyond conflict toward resolution.