Walnut Creek - Hon. Harry Sheppard (Ret.), a retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge, announced today he has joined JAMS, The Resolution Experts, the nation’s largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services. He is based in the JAMS Walnut Creek Resolution Center. Judge Sheppard will resolve disputes in the following practice areas: business commercial, personal injury including medical malpractice and asbestos related claims; professional liability; and family law.
“While on the bench, Judge Sheppard was a ‘go-to’ judge for resolving complicated cases. He is known for his fair and even temperament, thorough knowledge of the law, and extraordinary work ethic and preparation,” said Chris Poole, JAMS President and CEO. “We are pleased that he is joining our Northern California panel.”
“I have always enjoyed problem solving as a judge, and I look forward to working full-time as a JAMS arbitrator and mediator,” said Judge Sheppard.
Judge Sheppard was appointed to the Alameda County Superior Court by then California Governor Pete Wilson in 1995 and presided over family and criminal law cases and most recently numerous long cause jury trials including contract disputes, medical malpractice cases, legal malpractice cases, malicious prosecution, auto torts, personal injury and asbestos cases.
Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Sheppard was in private practice for 30 years and worked not only as a lawyer but also a prosecutor, defense attorney, civil practitioner, general counsel and entrepreneur.
He joined the Alameda County’s District Attorney’s office after graduating from law school and later was Partner at Fremont’s Bell, Sheppard & Faria. As a private attorney, he began with criminal defense and transitioned into civil work. He founded the Mission Valley Bank Corporation with a group of local investors in the early 1980s and served as an organizer and board member of the bank holding company, which was bought by U.S. Bank in 1996.
Judge Sheppard was honored as the Trial Judge of The Year by the Alameda Contra Costa County Trial Lawyers’ Association in 2004 and is also a recipient of the Alameda County Bar Association Distinguished Service Award.
He earned his J.D. from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in 1965. He received his B.A. from Colgate University in 1958 where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After college, Judge Sheppard served four years on active duty and six years in the reserves with the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of lieutenant commander.
About JAMS, The Resolution Experts
Founded in 1979, JAMS, The Resolution Experts, is the nation’s largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services. With Resolution Centers nationwide, JAMS and its 250 full-time, exclusive neutrals are responsible for resolving thousands of the nation's most important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267.