NASHVILLE, Tenn. – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce Hon. Bernice Bouie Donald (Ret.) has joined its panel. Judge Donald joins JAMS following an incredibly distinguished four-decade career spanning roles in district and appellate courts.
After serving for more than 11 years as an appellate judge on United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Judge Donald retired from the bench in 2023 and began a career in ADR. She also held jurist roles on the United States District Court, Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee and General Sessions Criminal Court for Shelby County, Tennessee. She most recently also served as a partner at Burch, Porter & Johnson from 2024 to 2025.
Judge Donald is located in Tennessee and will be available to conduct sessions in person, as well as virtually, for clients across the country and internationally. She will serve as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral and neutral evaluator, handling antitrust, business and commercial, bankruptcy, class action and mass tort, civil rights, intellectual property, employment, insurance, healthcare, environmental, and estate and probate matters.
“A distinguished jurist whose career has been dedicated to the pursuit of justice, Judge Donald is revered in several legal circles for her work and accomplishments across multiple practice areas and courts. She is known for her empathy, integrity and ability to earn the confidence of the parties while guiding them toward thoughtful, creative resolutions. We are confident that her experience and approach will make her a valued addition to the JAMS panel.”
Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president
Throughout her career, Judge Donald has adjudicated and authored hundreds of opinions in all areas of law that come before federal courts, including commercial, partnership disputes, bankruptcy, banking and financial institutions, civil rights, employment and ERISA. For her professional and community contributions to the law, she has been the recipient of over 100 awards, including several prestigious honors from the American Bar Association.
Judge Donald is also a sought-after speaker, having presented at several conferences and programs globally. A well-known adjunct professor and faculty member of numerous law schools and international programs, she has held positions at Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, American, Vanderbilt, University of Georgia and University of Cincinnati.
“With over 40 years of experience on the federal district, appellate and bankruptcy courts, I bring to JAMS extensive knowledge of the law, unique case management skills and the ability to build trust among parties to effectively resolve their disputes,” said Judge Donald.
Judge Donald earned her B.A. from the University of Memphis, her J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and an LL.M. from Duke University School of Law.
About JAMS – Local Solutions. Global Reach.
Founded in 1979, JAMS is the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services worldwide. With a roster of nearly 500 neutrals and 29 locations, JAMS successfully resolves and manages tens of thousands of business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways to overcome barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized in-person, virtual and hybrid resolution services locally and globally through a combination of industry-specific experience, first-class client service, the latest technology and highly trained mediators and arbitrators.
Building on this foundation, JAMS Pathways focuses on early conflict resolution, facilitation and training. Learn more about JAMS Pathways at jamspathways.com.
More information about JAMS is available at www.jamsadr.com, and you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and our JAMS ADR blog.