Detroit – JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Denise Langford Morris, Retired Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court (Michigan), has been inducted into the National Bar Association’s (NBA) 2025 Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony was held on July 31 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.
The NBA was founded to promote equal justice under the law and to protect Black Americans’ human and civil rights. Today, it is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of predominantly African American lawyers, judges, law professors and law students, with a network of over 67,000.
The NBA Hall of Fame was inaugurated by then-President Fred D. Gray, Sr., in 1986 to honor nominees who have practiced law for at least 40 years and exemplify a lifetime of excellence in advocacy, service and the pursuit of justice. Nominees are legal trailblazers whose work has shaped the legal profession and strengthened their communities. This year’s induction ceremony also celebrated the NBA’s centennial.
“Congratulations to Judge Langford Morris on this outstanding honor, and thank you to the NBA for recognizing these titans of the law. We are proud of the judge’s accomplishments in Michigan and beyond. Her induction is a testament to the perseverance and integrity she demonstrates as a JAMS neutral.”
Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president
Judge Langford Morris joined JAMS in Detroit in 2022 after serving on the Oakland County bench for 30 years. She was the first African American on and the first female dean of the Oakland County bench since its inception in 1848. In addition, she served as the court’s first African American chief judge pro tempore. During her tenure on the bench, she presided over thousands of civil, business, family and criminal cases, including jury and bench trials.
In her role at JAMS, Judge Langford Morris serves as an arbitrator, mediator and special master/referee, handling business and commercial, class action and mass tort, employment, entertainment and sports matters, among others. She is known at home and abroad for her dedication to the rule of law and for her ability to work with parties from all walks of life.
More information on the NBA’s 2025 Fred D. Gray Hall of Fame and this year’s honorees can be found 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 www.jamsadr.com, and you can connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and our JAMS ADR blog.