Mediator Profile

Professional Experience

Thomas B. Goode is a founding partner of Goode | Hemme, APC, a firm that has focused on Real Estate Litigation for over 30 years. He’s also known for his background in real estate development, mortgage banking, and commercial brokerage. This “real world” experience adds invaluable insights to the mediation experience. Having represented parties of all types including consumers, business owners, and brokers through more than 200 mediations, Mr. Goode brings a unique perspective to his mediation practice. In addition to his background as a lawyer, Mr. Goode has earned academic achievements and life experiences that enable him to understand and empathize with the parties and their issues. So, when tensions rise and the stakes are high, he strives to create a calm, respectful environment more conducive to achieving a resolution. Mr. Goode serves on the panel of the California Association of Realtors (CAR), as one of their trusted mediators. He is also approved for the San Diego Superior Court Mediation Panel. Mr. Goode obtained an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. Following his graduation from Notre Dame he served with distinction as an active-duty U.S. Army Intelligence Officer. As an avowed educator, Mr. Goode has also presented several seminars on real estate matters.

Education / Experience / Affilations

• Trial lawyer 1985 – 2019
• Juris Doctorate from Western State University
• Bachelor of Arts Psychology from the University of Notre Dame
• San Diego Superior Court Mediation Panel
• National Conflict Resolution Center
• California Association of Realtors, mediation training
• State Bar of California
• San Diego County Bar Association
• American Jurisprudence Award for Contracts and selection to the Law Review

Specialty Areas in Real Estate Disputes

• Residential and Commercial Purchase Disputes
• Non-Disclosure Claims
• Specific Performance
• Residential and Commercial Lease Disputes
• Commission Disputes (Including Listing Agreements)
• Claims Against Real Estate Professionals (Brokers, Realtors, Appraisers, Escrow Companies)
• Partition
• Breach of Contract
• Partnership Disputes
• Foreclosure
• Landlord / Tenant
• Short Sales
• Construction Contracts
• Secured Transactions (Including Transactions Secured by Assets Other Than Real Estate)

Service Areas

Philanthrophy

• Founding Chairman of the Board for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc. (providing no cost reconstructive plastic surgery to indigent children)
• Volunteer Judge for San Diego Teen Court (a diversion program for first time juvenile offenders)
• Volunteer Attorney at CalWestern School of Law Legal Clinic (advocating for the disenfranchised and homeless)
• Legal counsel for Amigos de Las Americas of San Diego (a nonprofit international youth development organization providing volunteer programs for High School Students in Latin America)