Jonathan Ziss is a seasoned legal strategist and trusted advisor with over four decades of experience navigating complex challenges in professional liability, corporate governance, risk management, and dispute resolution. As a partner at Goldberg Segalla LLP, he leads the firm’s Management & Professional Liability and Aviation Litigation practice groups while playing a pivotal role in the Commercial Litigation and Cyber Risk & Privacy teams. His multidisciplinary expertise allows him to guide organizations through intricate legal, operational, and regulatory landscapes with clarity and foresight.
Jonathan’s career is defined not only by his success as a litigator but also by his ability to help businesses, professionals, and insurers anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate into disputes. His advisory work spans industries including financial services, private equity, healthcare, senior living, and the arts, where he provides strategic counsel on governance best practices, fiduciary responsibilities, and liability risk.
With a keen ability to connect legal insight with business strategy, Jonathan has advised boards, executives, and professionals on navigating regulatory compliance, minimizing exposure to liability, and improving corporate governance frameworks. He is known for his ability to distill complexity into actionable solutions, helping clients make informed decisions that balance risk, growth, and sustainability.
A thought leader in alternative dispute resolution, Jonathan advocates for mediation and arbitration strategies that prioritize resolution over costly, protracted litigation. His pragmatic approach emphasizes proactive risk management, clear communication, and well-structured engagement agreements—preventing conflicts before they arise and preserving reputations and financial stability.
Beyond his legal practice, Jonathan is a widely respected educator and industry voice. He has authored numerous articles and delivered hundreds of lectures on professional responsibility, liability trends, and emerging risks. His insights have been featured in Forbes.com, Dow Jones News Service, Law 360, The Legal Intelligencer, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Reuters, reinforcing his reputation as a go-to authority for professionals navigating complex risk environments.
Jonathan’s leadership extends into professional organizations as well. He is a past president of the Professional Liability Defense Federation, past co-chair of CLM’s Professional Liability Committee, and former chair of the PLUS Mid-Atlantic Chapter Steering Committee. His contributions have shaped industry best practices and elevated professional standards across multiple sectors.
Jonathan’s ability to foresee and navigate evolving risks has made him a sought-after advisor in emerging legal and business challenges, from cybersecurity threats to shifting liability standards. His extensive trial and appellate experience—across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, U.S. Tax Court, and multiple federal jurisdictions—equips him with a deep understanding of how legal decisions impact broader business strategies.
Yet, what truly sets Jonathan apart is his wisdom and ability to solve problems from multiple angles. Whether advising a boardroom, guiding a professional through risk exposure, or mentoring industry peers, his focus remains on delivering clear, forward-thinking solutions that drive lasting success.
A graduate of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, Jonathan was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and served on The Villanova Law Review. He earned his B.A. in English from Franklin & Marshall College, where he was a member of the Black Pyramid Honor Society, General Manager of WFNM FM, and a music critic for The College Reporter.
Outside of his professional life, Jonathan is an avid reader, global traveler, sports car enthusiast, rock music aficionado, and tennis player. His intellectual curiosity and passion for continuous learning fuel his ability to adapt, innovate, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
As he seeks new opportunities to expand his influence—whether through board service, advisory roles, or industry leadership—Jonathan remains committed to using his experience and problem-solving expertise to drive meaningful change.
Character: Jonathan Ziss is a trusted, pragmatic problem-solver who prioritizes integrity, foresight, and thoughtful decision-making in guiding organizations through complex challenges.
Knowledge: With deep expertise in professional liability, corporate governance, risk management, and dispute resolution, Jonathan offers a well-rounded perspective that bridges legal insight with business strategy.
Strategic: He excels at anticipating risks, crafting proactive solutions, and advising executives and boards on governance frameworks that foster resilience and long-term success.
Communication: A respected thought leader and educator, Jonathan distills complex legal and business issues into clear, actionable guidance, ensuring his clients and peers make informed decisions with confidence.
