After 15 years of distinguished service for the Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Schnegg retired in 2014 and is available to serve as a mediator, arbitrator, and private judge. During her last 2 1/2 years on the bench, she sat in a dedicated settlement department in Santa Monica where she mediated over 2,000 cases involving almost every type of civil dispute. During this time, she also mediated in the Court's CRASH Personal Injury, Business, and Employment Programs.
Prior to becoming a judge, she represented plaintiffs and defendants for over 23 years in a general civil litigation firm. While in practice she was involved with many bar associations and was President of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA). As a judge, she remained active in these bar groups and more while serving on many court committees.
Judge Schnegg is praised for her dedication to settling cases. She is known for her unwavering work ethic, often suggesting to the parties to come back for another session of mediation on her personal time whether it is at night or over the weekend. One attorney said, "I have settled several cases with Judge Schnegg and each time she has been very enjoyable to work with, sharp with the legal issues, and reasonable and warm with me and my clients."
Below is a sampling of the various matters Hon. Patricia Schnegg, Ret. presided over on the bench, tried as an attorney, or handled as a neutral.
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Judge Schnegg is an Aviation aficionado. She has logged over 700 navigator hours in Cessna 172 RG and P210 model planes. While serving as Vice President of the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) she oversaw the revamping of airport concessions and renovation of airport facilities, supervised ligation (Airlines vs. LAWA) over the increase landing fees and oversaw the construction of the new Ontario Airport. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. William Oppenheim and her daughter Jennifer.
"Very direct and effective. An immediate asset in resolving my client’s case."
- Attorney on a personal injury auto dispute
"Judge Schnegg is an excellent mediator - the most effective and helpful."
- Partner at a Nationwide Law Firm
"Judge Schnegg is a fantastic mediator. I would always be happy to use her services."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury case
"Judge Schnegg was excellent at evaluating the issues in the case, as well as the settlement value."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Slip and Fall Matter
"Judge Schnegg understood the obvious weaknesses of plaintiffs' case and worked hard to convince plaintiffs to settle at a low amount because of those weaknesses. Judge Schnegg also used time very efficiently considering that this was a half day mediation,"
- Attorney on a Pr4ofessional Legal Malpractice Matter
"She understood the issues and pressed each side where weaknesses existed."
- Attorney on a Construction Defect Dispute
"Judge Schnegg was amazing. She was especially great with my client in a sensitive Plaintiff’s matter. I appreciate her hard work getting a very difficult case resolved."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Sexual Assault case
"I'm extremely impressed with Judge Schnegg as a case evaluator and mediator"
- Attorney on a Property Damage Dispute
601 S. Figueroa
Ste 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213.223.1113
Fax : 213.223.1114
980 9th Street
Suite 2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.394.8490
Fax : 916.394.8495
402 W. Broadway
Ste 2400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.814.1966
Fax : 619.814.1967
1851 East First Street
Ste 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714.834.1340
Fax : 714.834.1344
1925 Century Park East
Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 800.488.8805
Fax :
2023.6.1.2rt