About Gisele Monte

Gisele Monte Goetz practices employment law at Hollister & Brace, located in Santa Barbara, California — She joined the State Bar of California in 1985, starting a distinguished legal career. The firm specializes in various legal areas, including employment law, real estate law, and environmental law, serving clients throughout the region. Gisele’s expertise in employment law is complemented by her knowledge of related fields — This lets the attorney provide multifaceted legal services. In 1985, Gisele earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Prior to her law degree, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California - San Diego, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science in 1978.

This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her legal career, which commenced shortly after her graduation from law school. With a focus on practical experience, she began her journey in the legal field, gaining insights that would shape her future practice. Since 2005, Gisele has worked as both a lawyer and mediator, demonstrating her commitment to resolving disputes amicably. In 2018, she expanded her practice to include mediation, which allows her to facilitate constructive dialogue between parties. Her previous roles include serving as general counsel and outside general counsel for various organizations, where she provided strategic legal advice tailored to their needs.

Gisele became a partner at Hollister & Brace in 1993, showcasing her dedication to the firm and its clients over the years. Most of Gisele’s practice centers around employment law, where she assists clients with many issues, including workplace disputes, employee rights, and compliance with labor regulations. She also handles cases related to real estate and environmental law, ensuring that her clients receive well-rounded legal support. Cases typically progress from initial consultations through negotiations and, when necessary, litigation, reflecting her thorough approach to legal challenges. Before joining Hollister & Brace, Gisele worked as an associate at another firm, where she worked that has influenced her legal philosophy.

Her diverse background enables her to tackle various legal challenges effectively, making her a versatile attorney in Santa Barbara. Gisele is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Santa Barbara County Bar Association and the Ventura County Bar Association. She also participates in the Inns of Court, which fosters professional development and camaraderie among lawyers. Her ongoing involvement in these associations highlights her dedication to both her profession and the community.

Education

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

J.D. (1985)

1982

University of California - San Diego

B.A. (1982) | Political Science

1978

Experience

Lawyer and Mediator

Hollister & Brace
2018

Lawyer and Mediator

Gisele Goetz, Esq.
2005

General Counsel

Venoco
2002

Outside General Counsel

Calleguas Municipal Water District
2000

Partner

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP
1993

Associate

O Melveny & Myers LLP
1985

Accepted Jurisdictions

California

Court Admissions

California Supreme Court State Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

employment law real estate law environmental law

Legal Services Scope

Initial consultations Negotiations Litigation

Professional Associations

Santa Barbara County Bar Association

has membership Current

Santa Barbara Women Lawyers

has membership Current

Ventura County Bar Association

has membership Current

Ventura County Women Lawyers

has membership Current

Inns of Court

has membership Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 200 East Carrillo Street Suite 100 Santa Barbara CA 93101