Insurance / International
Move Insurance Matters Forward: Experienced Neutrals Can Assist Insurers and Policyholders in Resolving Coronavirus-Related Insurance Claim Issues
Local Solutions. Global Reach. TM
JAMS successfully resolves and manages business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways of overcoming barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized dispute resolution services locally and globally through a combination of industry-specific experience, first-class client service, top-notch facilities and highly trained panelists.
Recent News
JAMS Begins Reopening U.S. Resolution Centers
May 28, 2020Irvine, Calif. – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is beginning a phased and careful approach to reopening its resolution centers following the COVID-19 outbreak.Howard A. Herman, Esq., Joins JAMS in San Francisco
May 27, 2020San Francisco — JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce the addition of Howard A. Herman, Esq., to its panel. Mr. Herman joins JAMS after leading the highly regarded ADR program of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco for more than 23 years.Update: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory (May 26, 2020)
May 26, 2020After careful consideration and closely monitoring local guidelines and in accordance with governmental regulations, JAMS is reopening offices throughout the country in a phased and careful approach. JAMS CEO Chris Poole shares a personal message on what to expect and how JAMS is placing the highest priority on preserving the health and safety of its clients, neutrals and associates.Read Our Letter to Clients ›
What to Expect in JAMS Resolution Centers ›
Virtual Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Move Your Case Forward with Virtual ADR
Videoconferences and conference calls are tools that JAMS has long used to successfully resolve thousands of disputes of all kinds. Speed, flexibility and ease-of-use are reasons why attorneys and their clients opt to resolve their disputes virtually.
JAMS mediators and arbitrators (neutrals) are adept at managing the resolution process whether they are conducting an in-person or virtual hearing.
Upcoming Events
- June 1, 2020
- June 2, 2020
- June 3, 2020
- June 4, 2020
- June 5, 2020
- June 17 - 18, 2020Chicago, IL, USA
- July 9 - 10, 2020Irving, TX, USA
Please Welcome JAMS’ Newest Neutrals
Background
- ADR Program, United States District Court, San Francisco, 1997–2020
- Director, 2005–2020
- Program Counsel, 1997–2005
- Director, ADR Program, Contra Costa Superior Court, Martinez, 1993–1997
- Attorney, Kindel & Anderson, San Francisco, 1989–1992
- Pre-Briefing Settlement Conference Attorney, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, San Francisco, 1985–1989
- Attorney, Graham & James, San Francisco, 1983–1985
- J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 1983
- Executive Board, Hastings Law Journal
- Hastings Public Interest Law Program
- Thurston Honor Society
- A.B., With High Honors, Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, 1979
Background
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Program on Mediation, Harvard Law School
- Ph.D., Tilburg University (NL) and KU Leuven University (BE)
- Visiting Ph.D. Scholar, Stanford University
- LL.M., Columbia University School of Law
- Visiting Scholar, UC Hastings College of the Law
- M.Sc., Conflict Management, Maastricht University (NL)
- German Law (Minor), Goettingen University (DE)
- LL.M., Groningen University (NL)
- LL.B., Groningen University (NL)
Background
- United States District Judge, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 2003–2020
- Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court, 1990–2003
- Judge, Los Angeles Municipal Court, 1988–1990
- Regional Counsel, Southern Pacific Transportation Company, 1987–1988
- Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, 1976–1987
- J.D., Stanford Law School, 1976
- B.A., California State University, Northridge, 1973
Background
- Judge of the Superior Court, County of Contra Costa
- Supervising Judge, Probate Division, 2011–2020
- Supervising Judge, Richmond Courthouse, 2007
- Criminal Division, 2002–2005, 2007–2010
- Civil Division, 2005–2006
- California Department of Corrections (now California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)
- Deputy Director and Chief Counsel, 2000–2002
- California Department of Justice
- Senior Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, 1992–2000
- Senior Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, 1986–2002
- Senior Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Division, 1985–1986
- Special Counsel, Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, 1985–1986
- Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Division, 1975–1985
- J.D., University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, 1975
- Second Place, James Patterson McBaine Honors Moot Court Competition
- B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1972
- Honors Program in Political Science (Completed With Great Distinction)
- Kenneth Priestly Award (Outstanding Graduating Senior)
- Forrest E. Tregea Award (Outstanding Leadership)
Background
- Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, East St. Louis, 2005–2019; Recalled, 2019
- Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of Missouri, St. Louis, 1995–2005
- Adjunct Professor, Trial Practice, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, 1999–present
- Adjunct Professor, Federal Criminal Sentencing, Southern Illinois University School of Law, 2006–2007
- Associate, Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment, The Stolar Partnership, St. Louis, 1994–1995
- Associate; Litigation, Personal Injury Defense and Workers’ Compensation; Thompson & Mitchell (n/k/a Thompson Coburn); St. Louis; 1993
- Middle School Teacher; Mathematics, History and Government; Illinois School District #189; East St. Louis; 1975–1993
- J.D., cum laude, St. Louis University School of Law, 1993
- Member, Public Law Review
- Member, Alpha Sigma Nu (national Jesuit honor society)
- M.S., Education, Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville), 1978
- B.S., Political Science, Illinois State University (Normal), 1973
Background
- Circuit Court Judge, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, 2003–2020Extended Trials Backup Division, 2014–2020
- Civil Division, 2011–2020
- Mentor-Mentee Coordinator, 2014–2019
- New Judges Training, Eleventh Circuit, 2014–2019
- Associate Administrative Judge, 2013–2019
- Complex Foreclosure Division, 2013–2014
- Criminal Division, 2003–2011
- Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, 1995–2003
- Director of Professional Development, 2001–2003
- Assistant State Attorney, Dade County State Attorney’s Office, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, 1982–1995
- Major Crimes Prosecutor, 1990–1993
- Director of Training, 1988–1989
- J.D., University of Miami School of Law, 1982
- Outstanding Oral Advocate Award, Trial Advocacy Program
- M.A., Florida Atlantic University, 1979
- B.A., University of Florida, 1975
