Hon. Mitchell Beckloff (Ret.)

MEDIATOR | ARBITRATOR | JUDGE PRO TEM | JUDICIAL & DISCOVERY REFEREE

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“My journey from the bench to Signature Resolution marks a transition fueled by a passion for effective dispute resolution. Over the years, I've had the privilege of presiding over diverse and high-profile cases, honing my skills in navigating complex legal terrain and fostering meaningful dialogue. As I step into my role as a neutral, I bring with me a commitment to impartiality, thoroughness, and clear communication. I am eager to leverage my experience to facilitate constructive resolutions and uphold the integrity of the legal process at Signature Resolution."

Practice Areas

  • Business and Commercial Contracts
  • Complex Litigation
  • Elder Abuse
  • Environmental and CEQA
  • Family Law
  • General Liabilities & Malpractice
  • HOA Disputes
  • Probate, Trust & Estates
  • Professional Liability
  • Public Agency​
  • Real-Property​
  • Receivership
  • Tort Disputes

Education

  • J.D., Loyola Law School
  • B.A., University of California, Los Angeles

Biography

After a judicial career spanning more than two decades on the Los Angeles County Superior Court bench, Hon. Mitchell Beckloff (Ret.) brings a unique depth of experience and expertise to his role as a neutral with Signature Resolution. Through his varied assignments in nearly every division of the court, Judge Beckloff developed an exceptional reputation in the legal community as a skilled jurist in civil, probate and family law matters. 

Known for his thorough preparation, ability to digest complex legal issues, clear communication skills and capacity to connect with attorneys and litigants alike, Judge Beckloff has had the privilege of presiding over numerous complex and notable cases, including entertainer Michael Jackson’s probate estate, Herbalife founder Mark Hughes’ trust, an environmental challenge to the plan for decommissioning San Onofre nuclear power plant, and a constitutional claim protesting Los Angeles County’s decision to return Bruce’s Beach in Manhattan Beach to the heirs of its original owners.

As a judicial officer, Judge Beckloff held various leadership roles within the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He presided over probate proceedings from 2007 to 2014 and served as the Probate Division’s Supervising Judge for five of those years. From 2014 to 2018, he presided over a general jurisdiction civil trial department and served as the Supervising Judge of the court’s West District during two of those years. In 2015, Judge Beckloff sat on a temporary assignment as a justice pro tem in Division Seven for the Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District. Prior to his retirement in 2024, he served with distinction in a Writs and Receivers department, a position he held since 2018, litigating disputes concerning CEQA, land use, municipal affairs, election law, and provisional remedies.

After completing his undergraduate studies at UCLA, Judge Beckloff attended Loyola Law School where he received a dean’s academic merit full-tuition scholarship, nine American Jurisprudence Awards, and the Bancroft-Whitney Academic Achievement Award at graduation. He also served as a staff member and an editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif, Alpha Sigma Nu, and the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society.​​

Judge Beckloff’s approach to dispute resolution is characterized by preparation, communication, patience, impartiality, and a commitment to de-escalation. He has an unwavering dedication and commitment to justice as well as the people he serves.

Experience

  • Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court (2007-2024)
  • Justice Pro Tem, Court of Appeal (2015)
  • Referee and Commissioner, Los Angeles County Superior Court (1999-2007)
  • Partner, Groman & Beckloff (1994-1999)
  • Staff Attorney, Auxiliary Legal Services, Inc. (1992-1994)
  • Associate, Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro (1989-1992)

Professional Achievements and Memberships

  • Chair, Probate & Mental Health Advisory Committee of the Judicial Council (2009-2014)
  • Chair, California Center for Judicial Education and Research Probate and Mental Health Education Committee (2008-2014)
  • Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law’s Zephyr M. Ramsey Award 
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Timothy A. Whitehouse Award
  • Pasadena Bar Association’s Judge of the Year Award
  • San Fernando Valley Bar Association’s Judicial Leadership Award
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Arthur K. Marshall Award
  • Levitt Quinn Family Law Center’s Outstanding Community Service Award