Trial Tested: Douglas R. Young on His Legal Philosophy and the Qualities He Brings to ADR

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Hear Doug Young share his journey and legal philosophy on “Trial Tested.”

JAMS neutral Douglas R. Young recently appeared on “Trial Tested,” an award-winning podcast produced by the American College of Trial Lawyers and hosted by Renée Rothauge. The series highlights the stories, philosophies and lessons of accomplished trial lawyers. In his episode, Doug reflects on nearly five decades in the courtroom and the guiding principles that now shape his work as a neutral at JAMS.

Lessons From a Lifetime in the Courtroom

Doug’s career has spanned white collar defense, post-conviction death penalty work and high-stakes civil trials. Along the way, he developed a philosophy grounded in proportionality, dignity and fairness—values that remain central to his practice today.

Doug recalls one of the most lasting lessons he learned from his mentors: that the measure of a lawyer is not found only in victories, but in how they carry themselves through both outcomes. As he explains,

“You have to learn to argue a winning case with a sense of proportionality and a losing case with a sense of dignity, recognizing that it's an honor just to be able to walk through that audience into the well of the courtroom and stand up and represent a person, a company, or a cause.”

Respect for the Team

Doug also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dignity of every person on a trial team. He admired how his mentors critiqued privately but praised publicly—always leading by example.

Doug describes what his mentor called the “existential fear of contingency”—the reality that no trial ever goes exactly as planned and something will almost certainly go wrong. Over time, he learned to embrace that uncertainty, even turning to meditation as a way to steady himself.

For Doug, meditation was less about escape and more about preparation. It gave him the ability to pause, clear the noise and return to the courtroom with a calmer, more deliberate presence. That balance allowed him to stay centered in the face of high-pressure moments—whether handling a death penalty case, managing an unpopular corporate defense or navigating a trial that stretched on for years.

Storytelling and Connection

Family stories and music filled Doug’s upbringing, and he admits that storytelling often found its way into his trial work. He believed that connecting a juror’s life experience to the case at hand could build understanding and empathy. For Doug, stories weren’t just anecdotes; they were bridges. They transformed abstract legal arguments into something jurors could see, feel and relate to. That ability to humanize complex issues is a hallmark of Doug’s approach.

A Philosophy Carried Into ADR

Doug closes the conversation reflecting that he hopes to be remembered for serving his country and community, and for honoring the rule of law designed to protect humanity and the public good. At JAMS, Doug now applies this same philosophy—proportionality, dignity, respect and fairness—to help parties resolve disputes outside the courtroom. His trial-tested lessons make him not just an accomplished advocate, but also a trusted neutral.