In Memoriam: Barbara Spector, Esq.

JAMS neutral Barbara Spector, Esq., a respected member of the Santa Clara legal community and a cherished public servant, passed away on November 11, 2025.

Barbara joined JAMS in 2019 with more than four decades of experience as a lawyer, mediator and arbitrator. While at JAMS, she conducted numerous mediations and arbitrations, drawing on her Harvard-certified negotiation training and extensive service as a neutral for state and federal courts. Her work at JAMS reflected the same balanced judgment and dedication to resolving disputes that defined her entire career.

Her colleagues at JAMS say Barbara was a “natural leader” with “incisive and intelligent wit and courteous advocacy,” and a “law mother” role model whose legacy will continue to shape generations of lawyers.

Barbara began her legal career at Morgan, Morgan, Towery, Morgan & Spector in 1978 and practiced civil litigation for more than 40 years. She also devoted herself to preserving the character of the town of Los Gatos, serving as a planning commissioner, councilmember and three-term mayor.

Barbara and her beloved husband, Ira, shared a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world, including Dubai, Africa, Italy and France. She was also an avid San Francisco 49ers fan.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband in 2024. She is survived by her brother, Marvin; her nephew and niece, David and Katie; and her grandnephew and nieces, Grace, Emma, and Jacob. She will be greatly missed.