Irvine, Calif. – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Best Lawyers® has recognized two of its neutrals as “Lawyers of the Year” and 58 neutrals as “Best Lawyers in America” for 2026.
The Best Lawyers in America© is a product of the collaborative efforts of Best Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report to conduct exhaustive, peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.
The neutrals honored with the “Lawyers of the Year” designation are selected for their exceptionally high rankings from their peers based on their abilities, professionalism and integrity. Only one individual in a given geographical region and practice area is selected for this recognition each year.
The following JAMS neutrals were honored as Best Lawyers® “Lawyers of the Year” for 2026:
“To have our panelists recognized again by Best Lawyers® is a reminder of the dedication they bring to their work every day. Their thoughtful approach to resolving disputes and commitment to excellence are what make them leaders in ADR. We are proud to have them represent the very best of our profession,” said Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president.
The following JAMS neutrals were recognized as “Best Lawyers in America” for 2026:
- Karen Bamberger, Esq.
- Steven M. Bauer, Esq., FCIArb
- Jeffrey G. Benz, Esq., FCIArb, FCollArb, CEDS
- William L. Bettinelli (Ret.)
- Stanley F. Birch, Jr. (Ret.)
- Gary Birnberg, Esq., FCIArb
- Gary B. Blum, Esq.*
- Philip L. Bruner, Esq.
- Richard Chernick, Esq.
- Steven C. Choquette, Esq.*
- Zela G. Claiborne, Esq.
- Kathleen E. Craigmile, Esq.*
- Robert B. Davidson, Esq., FCIArb
- Charles H. Dick, Jr. Esq., FCIArb
- Norman S. Fletcher (Ret.)
- Gary Fowler, Esq.
- Fern L. Frolin, Esq.
- David Geronemus, Esq.
- Kenneth C. Gibbs, Esq.
- Patricia K. Gillette, Esq.
- Shelby R. Grubbs, J.D., FCIArb
- Hugh E. Hackney, Esq.
- David T. Hamilton, Esq.
- Michael A. Jacobs
- Carlton King, Jr., Esq.
- Eleissa C. Lavelle, Esq.
- Stephen P. Lucke, Esq.
- Harlan A. Martin (Former)
- Robert A. Meyer, Esq.
- Lawrence R. Mills, Esq.
- Cecilia H. Morgan, Esq.
- Stephen E. Neel (Ret.)
- Daniel A. Platt, Esq.
- Clarence L. Pozza, Jr., Esq.
- Ronald B. Ravikoff, Esq.
- Ronald M. Sabraw (Ret.)
- Deborah Crandall Saxe, Esq.
- Abby Silverman, Esq.
- Scott J. Silverman
- Stephen P. Sonnenberg, Esq.
- Jerry Spolter, Esq.
- Richard J. Suarez
- Dickran M. Tevrizian (Ret.)
- Patricia H. Thompson, Esq., FCIArb, CollArb
- John W. Thornton
- Wayne Thorpe, Esq.
- Eric E. Van Loon, Esq.
- Julia T. Waggener, Esq.*
- James Ware (Ret.)
- Conna Weiner, Esq., FCIArb
- Daniel H. Weinstein (Ret.)
- Diane M. Welsh (Ret.)
- Rebecca Westerfield (Ret.)
- Bradley A. Winters, Esq.
- Peter H. Woodin, Esq.
- Marie R. Yeates, Esq.
- Michael D. Young, Esq.
Learn more about the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards here.
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 over 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 https://www.jamsadr.com/, and you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and our JAMS ADR blog.
* This panelist is with the JAMS Denver office, which is a licensee office.