Navigating Innovation and Integrity: Nate Brooks Discusses the Future of ADR on ‘Mr. Biz Radio’

In a recent episode of “Mr. Biz Radio,” Nate Brooks—executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of JAMS—joined host Ken Wentworth to discuss the evolution of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the strategic shifts at JAMS and how leadership and innovation are shaping the future of the legal services industry.

As a key member of the JAMS executive team, Brooks has been instrumental in guiding the organization through significant transformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining JAMS in May 2020, he stepped into his leadership role at a pivotal time, overseeing both financial and operational functions while helping the organization adapt to an unprecedented global crisis.

Guiding JAMS Through Change

Brooks detailed how JAMS rapidly transitioned to a virtual model while maintaining its signature high-touch, personalized service—a shift that required not just technological adaptation, but cultural change as well.

“What I was very impressed by ... was how quickly the whole industry, including JAMS, transitioned to a virtual environment,” Brooks said. “There was about a 30-day period when things slowed down, but then it was just off to the races since then.”

This rapid transition included launching a virtual moderating team, investing in secure platforms like JAMS Access and enabling remote case administration—all while upholding the organization's core values of neutrality and integrity.

Leveraging Technology and AI Thoughtfully

One of the major themes of the interview was how JAMS has embraced AI and automation. Brooks emphasized that while JAMS is not a technology company, it is committed to leveraging the best tools available to enhance efficiency and client service.

“We’re really looking at tools. ... It’s like a calculator. It’s something you have to use, but you have to trust and you have to verify it,” he explained, citing AI-based transcription tools and co-counsel platforms that aid in real-time case management.

Importantly, Brooks was clear that while AI has its place—particularly for lower-complexity matters—it will not replace human judgment in ADR. Instead, it serves as an enhancement to better serve clients.

Expanding Market Reach Without Physical Boundaries

The podcast also explored how the adoption of virtual ADR has allowed JAMS to expand into new markets without the need for a brick-and-mortar presence. JAMS now services regions well beyond its 29 U.S. locations, with a growing international footprint in places such as London and Toronto.

Brooks noted that about 45% of JAMS’ proceedings are now fully virtual, with the rest being hybrid or in person. This flexibility allows JAMS to reach more clients and better match neutrals based on experience rather than geography.

A Culture of Leadership, Innovation and Inclusion

Beyond technology, Brooks emphasized that real innovation stems from culture. He described how JAMS has worked to foster an environment where teams feel empowered to contribute ideas that can meaningfully improve operations and client outcomes.

As part of this effort, JAMS launched an internal “innovation forum,” encouraging cross-functional teams to pitch new ideas in a format modeled after a startup-style pitch session.

“You don’t know where the good idea is going to come from, but it’s our job as leaders to understand what is a good idea and make sure that we can bring it forward and remove those roadblocks.”

Nate Brooks, JAMS Executive Vice President, CFO, and COO

This leadership mindset—openness to feedback, combined with a commitment to execution—has helped drive JAMS’ continued evolution in areas such as automation, AI-enhanced case management and secure data handling. It also aligns innovation with the organization’s foundational values and client-first focus.

Looking Ahead

As the ADR field continues to grow in prominence and accessibility, Brooks sees a strong future for JAMS, driven by selective expansion and the thoughtful application of emerging technologies. While the organization is exploring additional physical locations in markets where virtual services have gained traction, its priorities remain on client needs and operational flexibility. “JAMS is not going to be the leading AI developer,” Brooks said, “but when the tools are out there, we need to adapt them and use them quickly. Otherwise, we’ll be left behind.”

As ADR continues to gain traction as an efficient, private and client-centered alternative to litigation, JAMS remains focused on providing trusted services with a forward-looking approach.

To hear the full conversation, watch the video of Nate Brooks’ appearance on “Mr. Biz Radio.”