Resume

Scott Dickinson, Esq. has 20 years of experience as a trial lawyer representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of civil matters. He spent 10 years as an Insurance defense lawyer handling third party personal injury claims, first party bad faith and UM/UIM matters. He subsequently spent 10 years representing plaintiffs in employment matters involving FEHA and federal claims for sexual harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, and employment contract violations. He served as a consultant for Toshiba, Inc. in resolving employment disputes between management and employees. During this time, Mr. Dickinson also represented plaintiffs in the areas of head trauma, neurological and orthopedic injury cases, premises liability, landlord/tenant, and mold exposure cases.

Mr. Dickinson began his mediation practice after attending the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University in 2005. He built his practice to full-time status in 2006 and has mediated over 7,000 cases to date. In 2006, he was recognized by the Los Angeles Superior Court for his voluntary work in resolving employment disputes, and he was recognized by the Daily Journal as one the Top 50 Neutrals in California for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013, until the publication ceased featuring the list.

Mr. Dickinson’s mediation style is one of transparency. His “cut to the chase” approach is much appreciated by both sides as an efficient and effective means to resolution. He spends considerable time with the parties so as to fully understand the parties’ arguments and positions, particularly in employment cases where emotions can run high in matters involving sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Additionally, his background as both a plaintiff and defense lawyer enables him to fairly evaluate the merits of the case and provide impartial assessments of possible outcomes.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mr. Dickinson attended the United States International University in San Diego, where he played college football for two years until a shoulder injury ended his athletic career. He then attended the University of Mexico City, where he learned to speak Spanish. His interest in Anatomy and Physiology led him to the University of Wisconsin at Lacrosse, where he received his certification in Cardiac Rehabilitation Therapy. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physiology from California State University, Fullerton. He later served as a Cardiac Therapist while training at St. Jude Hospital; attended UCLA for additional Physiology training; taught graduate level Sports Medicine courses; and served as a Provider for the California Nursing Registry in the area of Physiology. He is currently a provider of Continuing Legal Education to California attorneys in the fields of Anatomy and Physiology.

Mr. Dickinson, an avid college football aficionado, enjoys U.S. Military History and Aviation. On occasion you may find him listening to 1960s rock and roll or reminiscing about his youth growing up in Buffalo, New York. He also enjoys supporting community and charitable causes.


Areas of Expertise

Mr. Dickinson is highly sought after for the following types of cases:

  • Personal Injury – Brain (TBI), Orthopedic and Neurological injury, Wrongful Death,Medical Malpractice, Premises Liability, Mold exposure, Products liability
  • UM/UIM, Bad Faith claims, Loss of Use, Diminution of Value on vehicles.
  • Employment – Wrongful Termination, Sexual Harassment, Contract Disputes, Wage & Hour, Discrimination Allegations
  • Elder Abuse – Claims against Nursing Facilities/ Health Care Service Providers
  • ​HOA disputes (condominium/single family dwellings) involving claims of water damage, mold remediation, common area maintenance disputes, breach of CC&R claims, loss of use claims, property damage claims, failure to pay assessments and negligence claims.



Mediation Experience / Acknowledgements

  • Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law
  • Former Panel Mediator for Orange County and Los Angeles County Superior Courts
  • Daily Journal “Top 50” Neutral (2010-2013)
  • “Outstanding Contribution as a Dispute Resolution Neutral” presented by the Los Angeles Superior Court
  • Author of “Mediation: Most Effective Forum to Resolve Your Case,” Advocate Journal of Consumer Attorneys Association of Southern California, March 2007
  • Author of “How to Better Evaluate and Negotiate a Neck and Back Injury Case,” Advocate Magazine for Consumer Attorneys Association of Southern California, August 2017



Education

  • California State University, Fullerton, CA – Bachelor of Science Degree, 1977
  • California State University, Fullerton, CA – Masters of Science Degree, 1979
  • Western State University College of Law – Juris Doctorate, 1985
  • UCLA Anatomy and Physiology 1988

Case Manager:  Zuzana Bastow ​

Tel: (949) 863-9800