Judge Diane M. Goodman

Judge Diane M. Goodman is a relatively recently appointed jurist on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, having been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom on December 23, 2022. What distinguishes her most prominently from her peers is her dual academic background: she holds both a law degree from the University of La Verne College of Law and a PhD in psychology. This interdisciplinary foundation is not merely biographical color — it signals a judge who is likely to approach cases, particularly those involving family dynamics, behavioral patterns, and credibility assessments, through a lens informed by behavioral science and psychological research. The Daily Journal has noted her interdisciplinary approach, suggesting she has been publicly recognized for bringing this perspective to her judicial work. Because Judge Goodman was appointed in late 2022, she is still in the relatively early stages of her judicial career, and her ruling patterns have not yet been extensively documented in publicly available databases. This means attorneys should approach her courtroom with an awareness that she may still be developing her procedural preferences and courtroom management style. However, her psychology background provides a meaningful predictive signal: she is likely to be attentive to the human behavioral dimensions of cases, skeptical of purely transactional or formulaic legal arguments, and particularly attuned to credibility, motive, and relational dynamics among parties. Attorneys appearing before Judge Goodman should anticipate a judge who values substantive engagement with the facts and the people behind the facts, not just the legal abstractions. Her academic training suggests she will notice inconsistencies in testimony, be sensitive to patterns of behavior across a case's history, and may ask probing questions that go beyond the four corners of a brief. She is likely to be a careful, methodical thinker who appreciates well-organized, evidence-grounded presentations.

Given Judge Goodman's psychology PhD, attorneys should frame arguments in ways that acknowledge the human and behavioral dimensions of their cases. In family law matters especially, avoid purely legalistic framing and instead present a coherent narrative about the parties' behavior, motivations, and patterns over time. Psychological concepts such as consistency of conduct, demonstrated intent, and the impact of decisions on children or vulnerable parties are likely to resonate with her. If your client's conduct has been exemplary, make sure that story is told clearly and chronologically. If opposing counsel's client has a problematic behavioral history, present it in a structured, pattern-based way rather than as isolated incidents. For civil litigation matters, attorneys should not assume her psychology background is irrelevant. Credibility of witnesses, the plausibility of party narratives, and the behavioral logic of business decisions may all be evaluated through a more nuanced lens than a purely doctrine-focused judge might apply. Prepare your witnesses carefully, as Judge Goodman is likely to be a perceptive observer of demeanor and consistency. Avoid coaching witnesses to give overly rehearsed or robotic answers — a judge trained in psychology will likely notice inauthenticity. Because she is a relatively new appointee, attorneys should also be prepared for a judge who is still refining her courtroom procedures. Be patient, be respectful of her process, and do not assume that practices from other Stanley Mosk departments will automatically apply. Bring thorough written submissions, as new judges often rely more heavily on briefing while developing their oral argument preferences. Demonstrating that you have done your homework and respect the court's time will go a long way.

• critical

  Confirm Current Department Rules and Procedures

  Before any appearance, contact the clerk's office or check the court's website for Judge Goodman's specific department rules, tentative ruling practices, and scheduling protocols. As a relatively new appointee, her procedures may differ from prior occupants of her department and may have evolved since her appointment.

• critical

  Prepare a Coherent Behavioral Narrative for Your Client

  Given her psychology background, develop a clear, chronological narrative of your client's conduct, motivations, and decision-making. Anticipate that she will be evaluating the plausibility and consistency of your client's story, not just the legal sufficiency of your arguments.

• critical

  Invest in Thorough Witness Preparation

  Judge Goodman's training in psychology makes her likely to be a perceptive evaluator of witness demeanor, consistency, and authenticity. Conduct rigorous witness preparation sessions, focusing on consistency across direct and cross-examination and on natural, credible delivery.

• important

  Review Any Available Daily Journal Coverage

  The Daily Journal has covered Judge Goodman's interdisciplinary approach. Reviewing any available articles may provide additional insight into her judicial philosophy, public statements, or notable early rulings that have not yet been captured in ruling databases.

• important

  Consider Behavioral Science Experts Where Relevant

  In cases where psychological or behavioral dynamics are at issue — particularly family law, employment, or cases involving credibility of parties — evaluate whether a qualified expert in psychology or behavioral science could strengthen your presentation before this judge.

• important

  Network with Attorneys Who Have Appeared Before Her

  Given the absence of published ruling data, firsthand accounts from attorneys who have appeared before Judge Goodman since her 2022 appointment are among the most valuable intelligence available. Reach out through bar association networks or litigation support services to gather current observations.

• ›Be authentic and direct in your presentations — a judge trained in psychology is likely to notice and react negatively to performative or overly rehearsed courtroom behavior from attorneys or witnesses.
• ›Demonstrate respect for the court's time by being thoroughly prepared, having all materials organized before the hearing begins, and avoiding requests for continuances that could have been anticipated in advance.
• ›Do not attempt to minimize or obscure unfavorable facts in your case — Judge Goodman's behavioral science background makes her likely to identify evasion, and candor about weaknesses paired with strong counter-arguments will serve you better than concealment.
• ›When addressing family dynamics, child welfare, or interpersonal conduct, speak with appropriate sensitivity and avoid dismissive or reductive characterizations of parties' psychological states or motivations.
• ›Follow all department-specific rules precisely, including page limits, formatting requirements, and filing deadlines, as new judges often pay close attention to procedural compliance as they establish their courtroom culture.
• ›If you disagree with a ruling or tentative, raise your objection respectfully and with a clear legal basis — avoid emotional advocacy or appeals that lack doctrinal grounding, as an analytically trained judge will expect reasoned argument.