A JAMS Q&A Session: Shining the Spotlight on Judge Regina S. Cahan (Ret.)

Tell us a bit about your legal career prior to joining JAMS.

After a year at a boutique plaintiffs’ civil rights firm, I moved to Seattle in 1989 to join the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO). For 10 years, I worked in the Criminal Division, focusing on sex crimes and homicides. For the next decade, I practiced civil law in the KCPAO, primarily in employment litigation, defending and advising county agencies, departments and management.

After over 20 years of litigation, I was elected to the King County Superior Court. I was honored to serve the people of King County as a judge for 14 years, presiding over all types of civil and criminal cases. 

I am now delighted to use my skills to help parties resolve their differences outside of court in my new role as a mediator at JAMS.

How did you get interested in ADR?

In my civil litigation practice, I experienced firsthand that mediation can be a very powerful tool to resolve many lawsuits, even some of the most contentious. I observed skilled mediators who were able to foster agreement in cases that most believed would not settle. They inspired me to serve as a mediator.

How would you describe your mediation style?

I have a master’s in social work, so it is not surprising that I take an empathetic approach to mediation. To resolve a case, it is imperative to allow both sides to express themselves so that they feel they are being fully heard. I believe active listening is a key ingredient to a successful mediation.

I also approach mediation from a practical perspective and search for creative solutions. As appropriate, it is critical that a mediator challenge each side on their views of the case. Every case has its strengths and weaknesses. If a party cannot see both, it is up to the mediator to help them do so and to fully evaluate the risks of further litigation and see the benefits of a shared resolution. 

What do you enjoy the most about mediating?

The best part is helping people reach resolution. Mediation comes down to human dynamics. I find it energizing meeting everyone and getting “under the hood” of a case. I enjoy discussing the dynamics and strategies of a case. As a mediator, I experience all the fun of litigating without the headaches of discovery and stress of trial.

Which practice areas are you particularly interested in developing at JAMS?

A large portion of my work at JAMS has focused on employment law, a practice area that I thoroughly enjoy. I also have developed a niche handling civil sexual abuse cases. In my pre-law life, I counseled adult survivors of sexual abuse, and later, I presided over many of these cases. I truly enjoy mediating and am happy to handle all types of cases. Given the broad practice areas I covered while serving as a judge, I have mediated a wide variety of cases, including medical malpractice, civil rights, public accommodation, personal injury, commercial, real property and family law.