JAMS Arbitration and Mediation Services tag line
  • JAMS Neutrals, Arbitrators, Mediators
  • Arbitration Rules and Clauses
  • JAMS Locations
  • Mediation, Arbitration, ADR
  • JAMS Arbitration and Mediation Services Practices
  • JAMS Arbitration and Mediation Services Publications

Hon. Rebecca Westerfield (Ret.)

T: 415-982-5267
F:415-982-5287
Download vCard
Recognized as a Top California Neutral, Daily Journal, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009

Recognized as a Best Lawyer, Alternative Dispute Resolution Category, Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2010

Recognized as One of the Top Three Best Neutrals in the Bay Area, The Recorder, 2007

Recognized as One of the 500 Leading Judges in America, by Lawdragon Magazine, 2006

Distinguished Mediator of the Year, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, 2003

Case Manager

Melissa Ornstil
JAMS
Two Embarcadero Center
Suite 1500
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-774-2600 Phone
415-982-5287 Fax
Email:

Specialties

Locations

Available to hear cases nationwide.
  • Print
  • Email
  • PDF
  • Add to Packet
  • View Packet
Arbitration
Judge Westerfield has arbitrated over 150 cases since joining JAMS as a full-time panelist in 1993. She has arbitrated dozens of cases involving personal injuries, breaches of contracts, real estate disputes, construction defects, securities fraud, environmental claims, partnership dissolutions, employment matters, and legal and medical malpractice.

Representative Arbitrations

  • Allocation of remedial costs in environmental contamination claims
  • Business dispute involving energy production
  • Claims of business fraud and violation of securities statutes
  • Claims of unlawful discrimination or wrongful termination by employers
  • Claims regarding insurance coverage
  • Dispute over significant attorneys fees
  • Dissolution of business and professional partnerships
  • Forty-day complex arbitration involving public transit construction
  • Franchise disputes
  • Legal malpractice involving antitrust issues
  • Numerous medical malpractice claims involving permanent injuries or death
  • Over 60 cases involving personal injury claims arising out of vehicular accidents
  • Products liability claims arising out of use of medical devices
  • Real estate - fraud claims
  • Securities fraud

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

  • Active member, State Bar of California
  • Top California Neutral, Daily Journal, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009;
  • Best Lawyer, Alternative Dispute Resolution Category, Best Lawyers in America and California Super Lawyer, 2008-2010
  • Best Lawyer in the Bay Area, San Francisco Business Times, 2009
  • One of the Top Three Best Neutrals in the Bay Area, The Recorder, 2007  
  • One of the 500 Leading Judges in America, by Lawdragon Magazine, 2006
  • Distinguished Mediator of the Year, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
  • One of the Top 10 Mediators in the Bay Area, The Recorder, 2002
  • One of California's Most Effective Mediators, Daily Journal, 2002
  • President and Co-Founder of RockRose Institute
  • Member, National Association of Women Judges, International Academy of Trial Judges
  • Adjunct Professor, International Summer School on Business Mediation, Admont, Austria
  • Chair of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s International Human Right Committee
  • Participant, International Human Rights Summer School, Oxford University-New College 2004
  • Advisory Board for Facing History and Ourselves
  • Member, American Bar Association House of Delegates
  • Board of Directors, Bar Association of San Francisco, 1994-1997
  • Chair, American Bar Association Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities, 1994-1995
  • ABA Commission on Women in the Profession
  • Co-authored the ADR chapter of CEB's Wrongful Termination Practice 2ed. (1997) and 3ed. (2004)

Background and Education

  • Serves on ADR panel for the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California
  • Appointed Judge, Circuit Court of Jefferson Co., Kentucky (court of general jurisdiction), 1987-1992
  • Admitted to Bar of United States Supreme Court, 6th and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals
  • MLA, Stanford University, 2008
  • J.D., University of Kentucky, 1975 (Law Journal, National Moot Court Team)
  • B.A., University of Kentucky with distinction, 1972