JAMS

“One of the mediator’s first responsibilities is determining what type of complexity is preventing resolution. Those realities influence settlement in ways that cannot be captured in expert reports. Understanding those dynamics allows the mediation process to address the real barriers to resolution rather than simply debating legal positions.” Read more from JAMS neutrals Deborah Ballati, Esq., FCIArb, Stacy La Scala, Esq. and Michael J. Timpane, Esq. Article here: https://hubs.ly/Q04ym-YC0 #JAMSInsights #Mediation

“Life sciences and technology disputes frequently involve complex subjects, but complexity does not mean that every scientific or technical proposition is contested. In fact, one of the most useful questions a tribunal can ask experts is also one of the simplest: What do you agree on?” Learn more about the benefits of concurrent expert evidence from JAMS neutral Steven Bauer, FCIArb, Esq. Read here: https://hubs.la/Q04ymGpY0 #JAMSInsights

“Early resolution, however, has the added benefit that it may allow the company and the employee to fashion more creative, individually-tailored solutions than what a court or jury verdict would award.” JAMS neutral Rachel A. Gupta, Esq. says litigating individual employment claims can have a downside and explains that attempting to engage in early negotiated dialogue and allowing the employee to be heard might resolve the complaint. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04yl8ds0 #JAMSInsights #EmploymentLaw

Join JAMS at the College of Commercial Arbitrators’ 26th Annual Meeting. Featured JAMS speakers Robert B. Davidson, Esq., FCIArb and Hon. Michael Massengale (Former), FCIArb will participate in plenary sessions, while Amb. (Ret.) David Huebner, F.CIArb, C.Arb, CollArb, will moderate a Founders’ Recognition fireside conversation. Richard Chernick, Esq., CCA’s founding president, will also be honored with the President’s Award for Meaningful Contributions to the Field of Commercial Dispute Resolution. JAMS Attendees: • Hiro Aragaki, J.D., Ph.D, Esq., C.Arb • Laura Abrahamson, C.Arb. FCollArb., Esq. • Ryan Abbott, M.D., Esq., FCIArb • Zela ("Zee") Claiborne, Esq. • Stephanie Harris Curington, Esq., (Past JAMS Fellow) • Jonathan W. Fitch, FCIArb, FCollArb, Esq. • Hon. Hugh Fraser (Ret.), O.C., FCIArb, FCollArb • Shelby Grubbs, JD, FCCA, FCIArb, FACAN • Barbara Reeves, Esq., CEDS • Gilbert K. Squires, P.E., BCS, FCollArb, DCIArb • Roderick M. Thompson, Esq. • Patricia Thompson, Esq., FCIArb, CollArb • Hon. Randa M. Trapp (Ret.) • Michael Young, Esq. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eEzAKFzZ #JAMSEvents

JAMS is pleased to announce the completion of significant renovations to our Walnut Creek Resolution Center. The newly renovated, 9,000-square-foot Resolution Center features enhanced technology, upgraded hearing and meeting spaces, flexible event space and hospitality-focused amenities designed to support in-person, virtual and hybrid proceedings. These enhancements reflect our continued commitment to providing a seamless experience that allows clients and neutrals to remain focused on reaching resolution. Press release here: https://hubs.la/Q04yf5qc0 #TheWayForward #JAMSResolutionCenter

On October 15, 2025, the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility issued Formal Opinion 518 titled “A Lawyer’s Duties to Avoid Misleading Communications When Acting as a Third-Party Neutral Mediator.” For those attorney-mediators who regularly engage in mediations, Opinion 518 formalizes the best practices that have been grounded in their mediation practices to safeguard the integrity and neutrality of the mediation process are preserved. Read more from JAMS neutral Lisa D. Love, Esq., FCIArb. Read here: https://hubs.la/Q04y9HCG0 #JAMSInsights #Mediation

In an April 2026 article for The Recorder, Stacy La Scala, Esq., and Sandy Kaplan, Esq., examined California’s new Civil Code Section 8850, summarizing its new procedures for private works claims. In this article, Tony Cole Esq. FCIArb, expands on a broader observation by La Scala and Kaplan: Courts may enforce Section 8850 strictly, given its limitation on party autonomy, and that “[a] waiver of the rights granted by this section is void and contrary to public policy.” Such a provision raises a risk of judicial vacatur of arbitration awards that transgress its mandate. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04y8gRw0 #JAMSInsights #Arbitration

“I think initially [lawyers] really have to be the fact gatherers: a good conversation with your client, probing questions that any good detective might make in terms of understanding the pros and cons of the client's story.” In the latest episode of JAMS: The Mediation Table, Conversations in Conflict Resolution podcast, Hon. Robert D. Foiles (Ret.) and Hon. Thomas Drechsler (Ret.) explore how personal injury cases are evaluated, what makes a claim ready for meaningful settlement discussion, and how digital evidence, credibility, and settlement strategy can shape the path to resolution. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04y5vj00 #JAMSPodcast #PersonalInjury

Join JAMS neutrals Hon. Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix (Ret.) and Lisa D. Love, Esq., FCIArb at the MCCA (Minority Corporate Counsel Association) Gala 2026. This year’s “Leadership in Motion” celebration brings together general counsel and law firm leaders to recognize individuals and organizations across the legal profession. Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04y4lnz0 #JAMSEvents #MCCAGala

Join JAMS neutral Amb. (Ret.) David Huebner, F.CIArb, C.Arb, CollArb at GAR Live: North America 2026, presented by Global Arbitration Review. Ambassador Huebner will join a panel exploring the rise of technology-driven disputes, including issues involving satellite infrastructure, data center operations and the rapidly expanding crypto sector. Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04y3kRD0 #JAMSEvents #InternationalArbitration