Sonya Goodwin

Sonya Goodwin brings over a decade of employment law, mediation and arbitration expertise to Signature Resolution’s panel of neutrals. Her talent for turning complex disputes into productive dialogues drives her innovative and client-centered approach.​

In her role as a mediator and arbitrator with Signature Resolution, Goodwin exemplifies understanding, resilience, and a thoughtful approach to conflict resolution. Specializing in resolving employment disputes involving single-plaintiff, multi-party, class-actions and representative actions under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), Goodwin emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients – a quality she appreciated in mediators during her time as a litigator. Having been on both sides of the table, she provides a unique perspective and connects deeply with clients employing empathy, compassion, and great listening skills to gain the parties’ and counsels’ trust throughout the mediation process. Goodwin understands that settlements are not just about financial interests; there is significant value in both sides “feeling heard,” which is why she provides the parties an opportunity to tell their stories during the mediation. Goodwin’s history in arbitration and her track record of successfully mediating disputes across California enhance her reputation as an effective mediator. ​​

Before joining Signature Resolution, Goodwin practiced law at Sauer & Wagner LLP in Los Angeles, representing employees and employers across diverse industries. She has represented Fortune 100 companies, small and midsize employers, and employees across various sectors, including retail, food and beverage, senior living, health care, finance, entertainment, manufacturing, transportation and real estate. Her background allows her to understand the unique challenges each party faces and provide a balanced perspective in her mediation process.​

Goodwin earned her juris doctorate from UCLA School of Law and received advanced mediation training from the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University. She also serves as a mediator on the Central District of California’s Mediation Panel and as an arbitrator through the AAA Employment Arbitration Panel. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section and the California Lawyers Association’s Labor and Employment Section. She was most recently elected to serve on the UCLA Law Alumni Association Board of Directors.