Charles F. Smith, Esq., Joins JAMS in Chicago

CHICAGO – JAMS, the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Charles F. “Chuck” Smith, Esq., has joined its panel. Mr. Smith joins following nearly 40 years as a trusted advisor in high-stakes disputes.

Mr. Smith served as a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP for more than three decades. Throughout his career, he represented both plaintiffs and defendants in complex matters across federal and state courts and before arbitral tribunals worldwide. His work included billion-dollar financial services cases, federal securities class actions, shareholder derivative actions and disputes involving mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property licensing and employment law. He is widely recognized for his ability to resolve matters efficiently and fairly, combining rigorous analysis with practical problem-solving.

Based in the Chicago Resolution Center, Mr. Smith will serve as an arbitrator and mediator, handling business and commercial, securities, banking, antitrust, bankruptcy, intellectual property and employment law matters. He is available to conduct sessions in person and virtually for clients across the country and internationally.

“Mr. Smith brings a wealth of experience and a thoughtful approach to dispute resolution. His background in complex litigation and his commitment to helping parties find common ground make him an excellent addition to our panel.”

Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president

In addition to his legal career, Mr. Smith has been deeply involved in community and professional organizations. He has served as a board member for the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and Knox College, where he is a past board chair. He has been honored by the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and was consistently ranked Band 1 for Illinois Securities Litigation by Chambers USA from 2016 to 2024.

“In four decades of trials, arbitrations and mediations, I have learned that warmth, common sense and humor—in addition to deep analysis of the case file—can help parties move toward a fair and just resolution,” said Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith earned his B.A., cum laude, from Knox College and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Chicago Law School.

About JAMS – The Way Forward

JAMS is the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, handling more than 21,000 cases annually. With nearly 500 neutrals and 29 locations, JAMS delivers efficient, cost-effective and impartial solutions for business and legal disputes at any stage of conflict. Since its founding in 1979, its distinguished panel has included retired federal and state court judges, former litigators, transactional attorneys and other ADR professionals with deep industry and practice area experience. JAMS offers customized in-person, virtual and hybrid resolution services to provide a seamless experience through concierge-level client care, highly skilled case managers and advanced technology.

Building on this foundation, JAMS Pathways provides organizations with early conflict resolution, facilitation and training, helping teams prevent disputes before they escalate.

With a legacy of trust and innovation, JAMS helps parties find the way forward so they can focus on what matters most. Learn more at www.jamsadr.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and the JAMS ADR blog.