In the Blink of an Eye

In 2012, JAMS opened its Resolution Center in Miami. At the time, the then-33-year-old company’s decision to enter into South Florida’s mature alternative dispute resolution (ADR) market was meticulously planned and well executed. JAMS was determined to assemble a panel of neutrals that would ultimately prove to be the finest in the state. Over the years, JAMS set a high bar for the delivery of quality mediation and arbitration services to litigants and their counsel, and earning the company accolades throughout Florida.

To celebrate our 10^th anniversary in Miami, we hosted an event last month to commemorate this milestone.

Bringing Experience to the Table

While it may sound like hyperbole to refer to our panel of neutrals in the Miami Resolution Center as the finest in the state, it is indeed accurate. No panel can boast that its members presently include a former chief judge of the Third District Court of Appeal, a former chief judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, a former chief U.S. magistrate judge for the Southern District of Florida and a former administrative judge of the Civil Division of the Miami-Dade County Court. Our panel includes two circuit judges who served in the complex business division in Miami—one of the busiest court systems in the country—and a circuit court judge who garnered the respect of her colleagues and who had her own courtroom-based TV show that aired locally and throughout the Spanish-speaking world. JAMS Miami has brought together lawyers and judges who distinguished themselves in the practice of law and on the bench and who have flourishing ADR practices in securities, construction and commercial litigation.

This panel has served in aggregate hundreds of years on the bench and in courtrooms. This is valuable experience that can assist people in resolving their disputes.

Adapting to a Changing World

Over the last two and a half years, the pandemic has changed the way judges, lawyers and ADR professionals conduct their business. Had you mentioned the word “Zoom” three years ago, someone might have thought it referred to a new action hero or a state-of-the-art electric car.

Today, Zoom is an integral part of how business is done in the ADR world. JAMS was a pioneer as the company pivoted to virtual proceedings to help clients resolve disputes while courthouses were closed. Virtual proceedings provide significant monetary savings for all parties. JAMS, as the international leader in ADR services, will continue to meet challenges head on as it delivers cost-effective solutions for litigants and their counsel.

Handling a Broad Range of Disputes 

A few years ago, somebody asked me whether JAMS handled only big cases. I was taken aback by the question, but I certainly understood that this represented a perception of JAMS.

Here is the answer. While it is true that many cases JAMS has handled in Miami have settled for millions of dollars, it is also true that some cases have resulted in impasse and some have settled for modest sums. 

In reality, JAMS doesn’t judge itself on the size of its cases. JAMS handles important cases. If a case is important to you, then it’s important to us. And we do what it takes to assist parties in resolving their disputes, even after the formal mediation is over. 

JAMS might be slightly more expensive than other providers, but the quality of its neutrals and their ability to help resolve disputes is worth the extra expense. The adage “You get what you pay for” certainly applies to JAMS and its Miami panel.

Looking to the Future

As the Miami panel commences its next decade, we want to thank everyone who has demonstrated confidence in us. We work hard every day to earn your respect, and we are looking forward to our next 10 years and beyond as we continue to evolve and help those who seek the best in ADR services.