Louise Lamothe is a seasoned arbitrator and mediator with extensive experience in domestic and international commercial disputes. A retired judge of the United States District Court, she brings over three decades of legal and judicial expertise to her dispute resolution practice. Louise has presided over complex cases involving commercial law, construction, insurance, shareholder disputes, and professional liability. She is recognized for her impartiality, diligence, and deep understanding of business realities. Louise serves on numerous arbitration panels and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
In a recent conversation, Louise reflected on her decade of service on the federal bench, her return to private ADR practice, and how her judicial experience shapes her thoughtful, structured approach to resolving complex disputes. Here's what she shared with us.
Q: Can you tell us about your judicial background—where you served, the types of cases you presided over, how many years you were on the bench, and any accomplishments or moments you’re particularly proud of?
Louise: I served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California for 10 years, from 2014 to 2024. Based in Santa Barbara, I covered the northern portion of the Central District—our nation's largest judicial district.
My docket included a full range of federal criminal misdemeanor cases arising from activities on federal lands, such as military bases and national parks. I also handled habeas corpus matters and search warrant applications.
Drawing on my background as a mediator, I was frequently called upon by the court to serve as a settlement judge in civil cases. Many district judges referred their most challenging and protracted matters to me for settlement. I take particular pride in the resolutions I was able to help achieve—bringing closure to the parties involved and easing the District Court’s substantial caseload.
Q: What led you to transition from the bench to arbitration and mediation work with the AAA?
Louise: After 10 years on the bench, I decided to return to private arbitration and mediation. I had worked in this field previously, and because my judicial appointment was part-time, I was permitted to maintain a part-time ADR practice while serving on the bench.
Q: What do you value most about serving as an arbitrator or mediator with the AAA?
Louise: What I value most about serving as an arbitrator and mediator under the auspices of the AAA is the ability to devote my full attention to each case. The exceptional case management staff handles the administrative responsibilities, allowing me to focus entirely on the dispute at hand.
Q: How does your experience as a judge shape your approach as a neutral in ADR proceedings?
Louise: My experience as a judge informs my approach as a neutral, particularly when parties seek a judicial perspective during mediation. I find that litigants are more inclined to listen to and trust my guidance because of my judicial background. That same background also makes me somewhat more formal as an arbitrator than some of my colleagues. I believe parties benefit from a clear, structured process—with firm schedules and agreed-upon, understandable deadlines.
Q: What advice would you give to parties or advocates preparing for arbitration or mediation?
Louise: My advice to parties and advocates preparing for arbitration or mediation is simple: know your case. Poor preparation can undermine the entire process for everyone involved. Fortunately, I find that this is rarely an issue.