Rebekah Ratliff is a credentialed former commercial complex insurance claims professional with more than 25 years of experience in evaluating, negotiating and settling complex casualty claims loss matters, nationwide and internationally with settlements totaling in the millions. Having evaluated thousands of cases, Rebekah is masterful in navigating the negotiation process and understands the human condition, a key skill to enabling trust in the ADR process.

As a civil and domestic mediator and arbitrator, Ms. Ratliff has become a trusted dispute resolution professional in high stakes cases and sensitive matters involving high-profile individuals. Ms. Ratliff believes that people do not really want to be in dispute and finds fulfillment in facilitating compromises via neutral analysis to assist in moving cases to settlement or through the alternative dispute resolution process. Prior to joining JAMS, Rebekah founded Capital City Mediations, LLC, an award winning national mediation, arbitration and case consulting firm based in the Atlanta, GA area.

Ms. Ratliff has been recognized nationally for her work in the alternative dispute resolution field and is a sought-after presenter and lecturer on alternative dispute resolution, case evaluation, negotiation strategies and diversity and inclusion. She is a frequent contributor to the CLM Magazine (Claims Litigation Management Alliance), American Bar Association (ABA) and National Bar Association (NBA) publications. Ms. Ratliff is the 1st Vice Chair of the ADR Section of the NBA and the Diversity Committee Vice-chair of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section, honored with the section’s 2023 inaugural Ladder Award. She is actively engaged in the ABA Litigation and Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Sections. Her extensive insurance background expertise includes, but is not limited to, personal injury/wrongful death, medical malpractice, auto/trucking liability, commercial premises liability, products liability, nursing home liability, construction liability and municipal liability. Ms. Ratliff has deep academic experience as a commercial insurance claims professional. She is an Adjunct Professor at Howard University School of Law, teaching insurance-related alternative dispute resolution curriculum that she created. Ms. Ratliff speaks Spanish fluently and operates internationally.

ADR Experience and Qualifications

• Extensive subject matter experience as a former commercial claims professional evaluating and resolving personal injury/wrongful death, medical malpractice, auto/trucking liability, commercial premises liability, products liability, nursing home liability, construction liability, municipal liability and coverage matters.
• Neutral Analyst of tort claims to aid with early case resolution
• Faculty Member, Southern California Mediation Association Advanced Track Training
• Faculty Member, National Bar Association ADR Continuing Education
• Law School Guest Lecturer at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Howard University, North Carolina Central University and Emory University
• Faculty Member, ABA Advanced Mediation & Advocacy Skills Institute
• Faculty Member, Howard University School of Law

Panels

• NBA Certified Panels of Neutrals - Mediator and Arbitrator
• FINRA (Wing) Arbitrator on panels in financial regulatory matters
• International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR) Panels of Distinguished Neutrals (Commercial Mediation and Arbitration)

Representative Matters

• Civil Rights
• Mediated a public entity matter regarding an alleged 4th amendment civil rights violation related to the illegal search and seizure of a minor while at school
• Employment Law
• Mediated employment discrimination matters involving large franchise corporations, with allegations of sexual harassment
• Mediated employment discrimination matters involving large franchise corporations with allegations of racial discrimination
• Experience with cases involving disputes alleging discrimination, harassment and Human Resources policy violations; special competencies in navigating sensitive matters
• Higher Education & Title IX
• Mediated a Title IX case involving alleged repeated sexual assault of student while overseas participating in a study abroad program
• Insurance
• Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
• • Mediated and facilitated settlements on various types of bodily injury cases involving fatality damages (allegedly) arising from negligence
• Medical Malpractice
• • Mediated medical malpractice cases involving alleged deviation from the standard care due to failure to treat, failure to diagnose, failure to warn of risks and/or improper treatment
  • Mediated cases alleging psychiatrist ethical boundary violations
  • Mediated dental malpractice cases alleging prescription errors, overuse of anesthesia, deviation from the standard of care and failure to render treatment
  • Mediated optometry cases alleging failure to diagnose in glaucoma and vision correction surgery cases
• Commercial Premises Liability
• • Mediated premises cases involving slip/trip and falls, rape, shootings, assault, elevator malfunction and various other incidents alleging negligent maintenance, negligent security and other (tort allegation) matters at (*apartment complexes, strip malls, restaurants, department stores, superstores and variety-type commercial properties dealing with landlord/tenant issues.
    
    *Examples: bug/pest infestation, negligent security, security lights/gate disrepair, assault, shootings, stabbings
• Products Liability
• • Mediated cases involving products and components alleged not to be market worthy that caused severe injuries to the end user. Some examples include lye-based drain cleaner, ladders, skin care products, various industrial and auto industry component parts (air bags, brakes, gas line defects)
• Nursing Home/Assisted Living Liability
• • Mediated numerous cases involving elder care neglect and bill of rights violations
• Auto/Trucking Liability
• • Mediated numerous cases involving personal auto and trucking motor vehicle accidents with severe damages of multiple passengers
• Homeowner Liability
• • Mediated cases involving neighbor dispute dealing with trespass, incidents on and off property and issues arising out of pet ownership
• Municipal Liability
• • Mediated cases involving charter school boards alleging mistreatment and/or deprivation of learning of children by teachers
  • Mediated cases involving municipalities dealing with disputes alleging police officer negligent acts against detainees while in custody. Facilitated resolutions dealing with self-insured retentions and governmental statutory caps
• Contracts
• • Mediated contract dispute in a highly contested and newsworthy case with a pending judgment and writ of body attachment, to assist with compromise
  • Mediated Homeowners Association dispute about covenant violations between HOA and Homeowner
• Neutral Analysis
• Perform liability and damages case assessment on matters ripe for settlement to assist in exploring strengths, weaknesses and settlement posture to save time and overhead costs
• Facilitate coverage reviews for occurrence-based and claims-made policy contracts
• Securities
• FINRA - Wing Arbitrator on panels to serve in adjudicating financial services industry disputes for the financial regulatory authority in the U.S. and Puerto Rico

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS.

Speaker on a variety of ADR topics before legal and insurance professional organizations and law schools

• Speaker, “People as a Risk, From a Cultural Lens”, Future of Insurance USA 2023 Conference, Reuters Events, June 28, 2023
• Panelist, “Using Artificial Intelligence in ADR and Employment and the Associated Risks: The Future is Here”, National Bar Association ADR Section and JAMS, May 3, 2023
• Moderator, “HBCU panel”, Riskworld Conference, Risk & Insurance Management Society, May 2, 2023
• Panelist, “The Caste System in Insurance and ADR: Breaking the Color Code”, American Bar Association Litigation Section, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee, March 2023
• Presenter, “Implicit Bias in ADR: Principles and Practical Guidance,” Mediation Committee, International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR), March 2022
• Guest Lecturer, “Mediation 101,” Howard University School of Communications, 2022
• Panelist, “Diversity In the Legal Profession,” American Bar Association (ABA) Insurance Coverage Litigation Conference (ICLC), 2022
• Producer, Seminar, “The Price Is Right ADR Game Show,” Claims & Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), 2022
• Panelist, “Mock Mediations,” Claims Conference, Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), 2022
• Panelist, “Overcoming Common Assumptions and Biases That Impact Insurance Negotiations,” ABA Dispute Resolution (DR) Section Spring Conference, 2022
• Presenter, “From Claims to Conciliation: The Effects of Unconscious Bias on Negotiation,” Early Dispute Resolution Committee, ABA DR Section, 2021
• Producer, “Ethics of Mediation/Arbitration,” National Bar Association (NBA) ADR Section Convention, 2021
• Panelist, “Masters of Mediation,” NBA Annual Convention Presidential Showcase, 2021
• Panelist, “A Dash of Diversity,” National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) New York Conference, 2021
• Panelist, “Sex Trafficking Liability,” ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee, 2021
• Panelist, “ADR Career Path,” Leadership Institute Women of Color Attorneys (LIWOCA), 2021
• Panelist, “Tips for Embracing Diversity When Selecting Neutrals for Labor and Employment Disputes,” Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) 2021
• Moderator, “Constructive Community Conversations Part 2,” ABA, 2021
• Panelist, Business Law Section Virtual Spring Meeting, ABA, 2021
• Moderator, “Baked-In Bias: Mediation Matters Roundtable,” ABA, 2021
• Virtual Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar, ABA, 2021
• Presenter, “Diversity in Mediation: The 360 View,” CLM, 2021
• Guest Co-Lecturer with Attorney Milton Grimes, “The Use and Effectiveness of Psychology and Psychodrama,” 2021
• Panelist, “DE&I in ADR: From Contact to Contract,” Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) North America Branch, 2021
• Panelist, “Women In Leadership,” Willis Towers Watson, 2021
• Panelist, “Mediation as a Career Path,” LIWOCA 15th Annual Conference, 2021
• Panelist, “Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Bahamas: Charting A New Course,” Bahamas Minister of Financial Services Symposium, 2021
• Co-Producer, ABA Constructive Community Conversations Forum, 2020
• Panelist, “Off and On The Record: Protected Communications in Mediation,” CLM Alliance Focus NY Conference, 2020
• Moderator, “Systemic Racism in the Insurance Industry, CLM Town Hall, 2020
• Speaker, “Are You Ready For The Boardroom?”, California Department of Insurance Conference, 2020
• Speaker, “Virtual Mediations In A Post-COVID World”, Galloway Law Firm Claims and Litigation Conference, 2020
• Panelist, “Insurance Matters During COVID”, NBA Wiley Branton Virtual Symposium, 2020
• Moderator, “Resolution 105 Roundtable”, ABA Mediation Week, 2020
• Panelist, “Virtual Trials and Tribulations”, GA CLE Webinar, 2020
• Speaker, “Activating Allyship”, Zurich North America Looking to the Future Series, 2020
• Moderator, “Stand Up To Dive In”, Dive In Global DE&I Festival, Atlanta Conference, 2020
• Panelist, ABA Dispute Resolution Section Law Students “Pivot” Forum, 2020
• Faculty, CLM Claims College, School of Claims Mediation, 2020
• Faculty, “Triple Threat”, Risk Management Society (RIMS) Broward Webinar, 2020
• Producer, The Future of Insurance Symposium, Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals, 2020
• Moderator, “The Use and Effectiveness of Psychodrama”, NBA Small Firms “Sharpen Your Ax” Series with Milton Grimes, Esq., 2020
• Moderator, “Racial Injustice in the US and UK”, Worlds Apart Webinar, ACIN London, UK, 2020
• Guest Lecturer, Negotiation 360, Emory University School of Law, 2020
• Faculty, “Women In The Game - The Juggle and the Struggle”, NBA Small Firms and Solos Conference Jamaica, 2020
• Panelist, Insurance Day, Howard University School of Business, 2020   
• Keynote Speaker, “The Next Generation”, Gamma Iota Sigma Insurance Fraternity Regional Conference Keynote, 2020
• Panelist, “Mask Off”, ABA Webinar Series, 2020
• Panelist, “Business Case for Diversity in ADR”, CLM Focus Conference, 2020
• Panelist, “Alternative Dispute Resolution and COVID-19 Insurance Disputes”, COVID Insurance Litigation Virtual Summit, 2020
• Panelist, “Make It Rain” Marketing ADR Practice Webinar, NBA ADR Section, NBA Convention, 2020
• Moderator, “View From The Bench”, NBA Master Class with Hon. M. Gino Brogdon, Sr., NBA Convention, 2020
• Panelist, “Streamlining The Cost of Conflict Through Arbitration”, NBA Presidential Showcase Panama City, Panama 2019
• Moderator, “The Importance of Education and Development”, NAAIA/ National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (NAIFA) Industry Panel, 2019
• Keynote Speaker, “Moving the Needle Forward in D&I”, NAAIA Florida Legislative Summit Breakfast, 2019
• Moderator, “Moving Beyond Unconscious Bias”, Insurance Business America Atlanta Conference, 2019
• Panelist, “Litigate or Mediate”, Atlanta Claims Association, 2019
• Faculty, AAA/NBA Mediation Training, NBA Annual Convention, 2019
• Faculty, Civil Trial Advocacy Boot Camp, NBA, 2019
• Guest Lecturer, “Preparing a Case For Pretrial Settlement”, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 2019
• Facilitator/Panelist, “How To Recruit Allies in D&I”, Diversity & Inclusion Institute Leadership Conference, 2019
• Faculty, “The Art of Negotiating”, National Academy for Small Firms and Solos Boot Camp, 2019
• Moderator, “Next Generation Leadership”, Insurance Business America San Francisco Conference, 2019
• Faculty, “Techniques In Resolving Commercial Disputes”, Advance Track Training, Southern California Mediation Association, 2019
• Guest Lecturer, “Case Evaluation and Negotiating”, Howard University School of Law, 2018
• Faculty, “Negotiating In The Caucus Phase”, Advance Mediation Skills Institute, ABA, 2018

Memberships & Affiliations

• Council Member, American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, 2023-Present
• 1st Vice Chair, National Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, 2023-Present
• Board Member, National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA Atlanta), 2023-Present
  • President (NAAIA Atlanta), 2017-2023
• Vice-Chair, American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, Diversity Committee, 2022-Present
• 2nd Vice Chair, National Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, 2019-2023
• Co-Chair Diversity Committee, Dispute Resolution Section, American Bar Association, 2018-2022
• Member, Claims Litigation Management Alliance (CLM Alliance), 2010-Present
• Member, Gate City Bar Association, 2016-Present
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association, 2016-Present
• Member, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, 2016-Present
• Member, North Carolina Central University School of Business Board of Visitors, 2020
• Member, Georgia State University Risk Management Foundation, Founding Advisory Board, 2019-Present
• Member, Arbitral Women, 2020
• Advisor, African Caribbean Insurance Network (ACIN), London, UK, 2019-Present
• Member, Insurance Supper Club, London, UK, 2019-Present
• Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, 1986-Present

Selected Awards and Honors

• ABA Dispute Resolution Section Committee on Oversight and Development Ladder Award, 2023
• Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals Legacy Award, 2022
• Elite Women, Insurance Business America, 2021, 2022
• HOT 100, Insurance Business America, 2020, 2021, 2022
• Women to Watch, Business Insurance, 2021
• Dive In Global Festival, Service Award, 2020
• NAAIA Service Award, 2020
• Service Award, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 2019
• NBA Small Firms and Solos Outstanding Service Award, 2018
• 7^th U.S. District (IL) Congressional (Mediator of the Year), Light of Life Award, 2018
• Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals Pioneer Award, 2018
• NBA Outstanding Service Award, 2017
• Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award, 2016
• Presidents Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award (Obama), 2016

Selected Publications (Articles)

• “Top 10 Dos and Don’ts of Virtual Mediation,” ALM Daily Report, April 2021
• “The Altered Landscape of Mediation,” CLM Magazine, January 2021
• “Physician Heal Thyself,” American Bar Association, Law Practice Today, September 2020
• “Inclusion Speaks Louder Than Words,” National Bar Association, Resolution Newsletter, May 2020 (repurposed from ABA publication)
• “Inclusion Speaks Louder Than Words,” American Bar Association, Just Resolutions Newsletter, February 2020
• “The 5 Ps of Mediation,” American Bar Association, October 2018
• “Streamlining and Reducing the Cost of Conflict Through Arbitration,” National Bar Association, Resolution Newsletter, May 2019

Background and Education

• Adjunct Professor, Howard University School of Law, 2022-2023, 2023-2024
• Capital City Mediations, LLC, Founder, 2016-Present
• NMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise
• Henning Mediation & Arbitration Service, Atlanta, GA, Independent Contractor, 2020-2021
• CHUBB Insurance Company, Claims Officer, 2006-2016
• CNA Insurance Company, (Home Office) Global Liability Claims Consultant, 2006
• TIG Insurance, Claims Specialist, 2002-2006
• Interstate Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (ALLIANZ), General Adjuster, 1995-2002
• Coregis Insurance, Sr. Claims Technician, 1994-1995
• CNA Insurance, Sr. Claims Representative, 1991-1994

Education

• Mediation and Arbitration Advanced Training, JAMS, AAA and FMCS, NBA Convention 2018-2023
• Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution Training 2018, 2019
• Domestic Mediation Training, Henning Mediation & Arbitration Services, Atlanta 2016
• Civil Mediation Training and Arbitration Training, Henning Mediation & Arbitration Services, Atlanta 2015, 2016
• B.A., Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1988