Irvine, Calif. – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Hon. Sheila Sonenshine (Ret.) was honored with the 2025 Torch of Liberty Award by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The award was presented at the ADL’s Marcus M. Kaufman Jurisprudence Award Dinner on Sept. 29.
“Justice Sonenshine has spent decades breaking barriers, mentoring others, and resolving disputes with integrity and compassion. This award is a testament to both her professional achievements and the values she has championed throughout her life. Justice Sonenshine is an inspiration and we congratulate her on this well-deserved achievement.”
Kimberly Taylor, CEO and president
The Torch of Liberty Award – one of the ADL’s most prestigious honors – is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and civil rights. Presented at regional events across the country, the award celebrates leaders in business, philanthropy, law, public service, and community activism whose values align with the ADL’s mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment for all.
Justice Sonenshine joined JAMS after a distinguished judicial career on the Orange County Superior Court, where she served as Presiding Judge of the Family Law Panel, and the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, where she authored numerous significant opinions and launched the state’s first mandatory appellate settlement conference program.
For more than a decade as a neutral at JAMS, Justice Sonenshine has served as a mediator, arbitrator, judge pro tem, neutral evaluator, and mock trial panelist across a wide range of complex disputes, including business, family law, employment, real estate, probate, and professional malpractice. Known for her pragmatic, even-tempered approach and deep judicial experience, she is widely respected for resolving challenging and high-profile cases with fairness, insight, and efficiency.
More information about the ADL’s Torch of Liberty Award can be found here.
About JAMS – The Way Forward
JAMS is the world’s largest private 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.