Through the Lens: Focus on Judge J. Wesley Saint Clair (Ret.)

Judge J. Wesley Saint Clair (Ret.), a mediator and arbitrator at JAMS, brings a unique perspective to alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Having served for 30 years as one of the few African-American judges in his county, Wesley noticed the relief and comfort his presence brought to those who “might look like them and respond to them in a different fashion.” His commitment to ADR stems from a desire to continue giving back to his community, fostering solutions that are creative and non-destructive to long-term relationships.

Saint Clair’s approach is distinctly holistic, emphasizing the importance of emotion in the mediation process.

An emotionless process is not as healthy as one that deals with the whole person,

he shares. By engaging with emotions rather than pushing them aside, he helps parties reach productive outcomes that respect both their relationships and individual experiences. His focus areas include civil rights litigation, family law, personal injury, and business litigation, where he strives to uncover and address unspoken obstacles, guiding parties toward resolutions that honor both logic and empathy.