Introduction
Since October of 1998, Retired Superior Court Judge, Herbert B. Hoffman has utilized his experience as a judge and trial lawyer to build a very successful private dispute resolution practice serving as a mediator, arbitrator and private judge in a wide range of matters. Judge Hoffman has successfully mediated to resolution well over one hundred cases each year since his retirement. He has also handled many arbitrations in real estate, personal injury, professional liability, employment, medical malpractice, insurance coverage and bad faith plus business/commercial disputes including an international multi-million dollar case involving disputed royalties, before the International Court of Commerce in Paris. Judge Hoffman has also served as special master or discovery referee in numerous civil matters including the 'coordinated latex glove litigation' involving 50 separate cases pending in the San Diego Superior Court. He is well-known as a no-nonsense straight shooter and strong agent of reality. One prominent San Diego trial lawyer noted, "If the most important thing is truly to get your case settled, he's the go-to guy in this town." Many of our clients concur.
Practice Areas
Hobbies & Interests
In his spare time, Judge Hoffman enjoys golfing, thoroughbred racing and dancing.
Testimonials
"Each of my colleagues agreed that [he is] one of the most skilled mediators they have met. We appreciate the incredible effort."
- Attorney on an Employment Breach of Contract Dispute
"Judge Hoffman was simply outstanding, as always! I hope to have another case before him next month! "
- Attorney on a Banking Foreclosure dispute
"Judge Hoffman was a pleasure to deal with and he zeroed in on the issues quickly and effectively. We thank him for his efforts."
- Attorney on a Business Commercial case
"Always happy with Judge Hoffman’s services. The case was settled due to his experience and negotiating techniques.
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- Attorney on an Employment Sexual Harassment Case
"I would like to take a moment to thank Judge Hoffman for all his hard work. The compassion he showed my clients left a lasting impression on all of us in the room. And his creativity and tenacity led to resolution in a very challenged case."
- Attorney, San Diego, California
"The matter did not settle, but I appreciated Judge Hoffman's approach and his sense of humor. The case did not settle for lack of effort on his part. "
- Attorney on a Business Commercial case
"Judge Hoffman is wonderful! I had a tough client, and Judge Hoffman helped me manage the client’s expectations. He very effectively explained to my client the significant issues with the case, while simultaneously fighting to get my client fairly compensated. His years of experience as a trial attorney and judge make him extremely credible and effective with both clients and Counsel. Additionally, he truly loves what he does, which makes all the difference. He worked hard to get the case resolved, and he continued to follow- up after the mediation to keep facilitating settlement negotiations. I will absolutely use Judge Hoffman again, for both mediations and arbitrations. I am looking forward to it! "
- Attorney on a General Negligence case
"Judge Hoffman did a great job on a difficult case."
- Attorney on a Business Contractual Fraud Case
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