Trenton, N.J. – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is proud to announce that Hon. Diane M. Welsh (Ret.) has mediated an unprecedented settlement as part of the global resolution of 22 civil litigations against the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) concerning longstanding allegations of sexual abuse and harassment of current and former inmates at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women (EMCFW).
The settlement provides over $20 million in damages and attorneys’ fees for victims of the alleged abuse and harassment, and requires body cameras to be worn by NJDOC staff who regularly come in contact with inmates. This settlement resolves both individual claims for those inmates who claim to have been direct victims of sexual abuse, harassment and/or retaliation, as well as a class of all inmates assigned to the EMCFW since January 1, 2014. This resolution encompasses two class action complaints filed on behalf of the current and former inmate population of the EMCFW, plus 20 individual complaints involving the specific claims of 22 current or former inmates.
We are very proud of the work done by Judge Welsh to reach an incredible settlement in this important matter. Her commitment to this resolution has resulted in not only compensation for the alleged victims in these litigations, but a forward-looking provision that is a step toward ensuring the continued safety of inmates at this facility. This type of resolution really highlights the important role that ADR plays in reaching settlements. This wouldn’t have been possible without mediation as well as Judge Welsh’s persistence and dedication.
- Chris Poole, JAMS CEO
Judge Welsh is highly respected for her ability to successfully resolve disputes with sensitivity, patience and persistence. Over the past 27 years, as a JAMS neutral and a United States magistrate judge, she has successfully resolved over 5,000 matters, covering virtually every type of complex dispute. Specifically, Judge Welsh has extraordinary skill in resolving high-stakes, multi-party commercial disputes, employment matters, catastrophic personal injury cases, class action and mass torts cases, and multi-district litigations.
More information on the resolution can be found in this press release issued by the NJDOC.
About JAMS – Local Solutions. Global Reach.
Founded in 1979, JAMS is the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services worldwide. JAMS successfully resolves and manages business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways to overcome barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized dispute resolution services locally and globally through a combination of industry-specific experience, first-class client service, top-notch facilities and highly trained panelists.
With a roster of over 400 neutrals and 29 locations, JAMS resolves thousands of the world’s important cases every year. JAMS also offers remote dispute resolution through videoconferencing and other platforms. JAMS neutrals are adept at managing the resolution process whether they are conducting in-person or virtual hearings.
More information is available at www.jamsadr.com, and you can connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and our JAMS ADR blog.
