Hon. Maurice A. Leiter (Ret.) Joins JAMS in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – JAMS, the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Hon. Maurice A. Leiter (Ret.) has joined its panel. Judge Leiter brings more than 40 years of experience as a judge, trial attorney, law firm partner and federal prosecutor, with a background spanning complex civil litigation, government service and ADR.

Judge Leiter served for nearly 11 years on the Los Angeles Superior Court, including more than nine years presiding over and resolving cases in a busy Independent Calendar civil courtroom. His docket included commercial, employment, personal injury, wrongful death, elder abuse, real estate, professional malpractice, insurance and construction matters, as well as environmental, CEQA, asbestos and talc litigation. Known for his careful preparation and thoughtful approach, Judge Leiter worked closely with parties and counsel to address key legal issues, encourage productive settlement discussions and facilitate resolution.

Based in the Los Angeles Resolution Center, Judge Leiter will serve as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral (special master/referee), temporary judge, neutral evaluator and hearing officer, handling business and commercial, class action, employment, environmental and CEQA, health care, mass tort, personal injury, professional liability, insurance and real estate disputes. He is available to conduct sessions in person, as well as virtually, for clients across the country.

“Judge Leiter brings decades of experience as a judge, trial lawyer and federal prosecutor, along with a deep understanding of the legal and strategic considerations that shape complex disputes. His extensive courtroom experience and thoughtful approach will help parties and counsel asses challenges, explore practical solutions and work toward resolution.”

Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Leiter spent more than two decades as a partner at Arnold & Porter LLP, where he served as first-chair trial counsel in high-stakes product liability, toxic tort and business disputes. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant United States attorney in Los Angeles, prosecuting complex financial fraud and public corruption matters and later serving as assistant chief of the Criminal Division. His commitment to public service also included pro bono class action litigation seeking mental health treatment for federal prisoners, service on the Rampart Independent Review Panel and advocacy promoting gender equality that was recognized by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California.

“With 40-plus years of experience as a judge and attorney handling high-stakes, complex matters, I am adept at evaluating complicated technical, scientific and medical evidence, and identifying key issues likely to drive a jury’s verdict or a judge’s ruling,” said Judge Leiter.

Judge Leiter earned his J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University.

About JAMS – The Way Forward

JAMS is the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, with more than 500 neutrals across 29 locations. In 2025, JAMS received nearly 22,000 new case filings and handled more than 28,000 matters during the year. Founded in 1979, the organization's distinguished panel includes 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.