JAMS

Former Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP construction and infrastructure attorney and, most recently, private ADR practitioner Randy Hafer, Esq. has joined JAMS in Atlanta. Throughout his whole career, Hafer said, “I was rarely in court. It was mostly arbitration, mediation and dispute boards. I had all that experience with those methods for resolving disputes, and I thought the next logical step seems to be bring that all to bear as a neutral." Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04vZmm60 #JAMSInsights #ADR

In our Summer Edition of the JAMS Pulse, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates from across JAMS.   This issue features key announcements, regional highlights, and thought leadership from our neutrals. We’re also introducing our new Practice Area Spotlight. Be sure to explore our blogs, articles and videos to stay connected with the evolving world of ADR. #JAMSPulse #TheWayForward

“We may not be able to change why someone comes to JAMS, but we can absolutely influence how they feel while they are here. By creating a seamless, welcoming and well-coordinated experience, we can ease the burden of an already challenging process and reinforce the trust clients place in JAMS.” Christof Pignet, JAMS Vice President of Client Experience, discusses his background in the luxury hospitality and service industries and how that experience translates to his new role at JAMS. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04vJK_Y0 #JAMSInsights #ClientExperience

"The good news is that the vast majority of commercial disputes, including construction disputes, are resolved before completion of a trial or arbitration. The bad news is that resolution often comes very late in the process, after significant attorneys’ fees, arbitration or litigation costs and fees, expert fees, document production and management expenses, and other discovery costs have been incurred.” Read more about the benefits of early mediation from JAMS neutral Randy Hafer, Esq. Read here: https://hubs.la/Q04vyHYy0 #JAMSInsights #ConstructionLaw

“The question of whether a neutral may change roles is not merely procedural. It is a cultural signal. And how parties read that signal varies enormously depending on where they sit.” JAMS neutral Giuseppe De Palo, Esq. says mixed roles are broadly accepted in China and some other countries, but practitioners in the U.S. tend to be skeptical about using the same neutral for both mediation and arbitration. Read this Mealey’s International Arbitration Report article to learn more about the debate. Article here: https://hubs.la/Q04vpxzP0 #JAMSInsights #InternationalArbitration

JAMS is proud to announce that Hon. Christine Ward (Ret.) was honored at the 2026 Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges with the "Golden Crowbar Award.” The award recognizes extraordinary efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system, including initiatives that reduce court backlogs and strengthen the courts' mission of serving the public. Learn more about Judge Ward’s leadership and contributions to the Pennsylvania judiciary. Read here: https://hubs.la/Q04vcmqF0 #JAMSAwards #TheWayForward

“While anchoring is as old as negotiation itself, the extreme offer-and-baby-steps dynamic is one of the most reliable ways to poison a mediation from the outset. It breeds mistrust, wastes time and drains the goodwill and energy that settlement actually requires.” JAMS neutral Jill M. Manning, Esq. says it’s the mediator’s job to create the conditions for a different kind of conversation. Learn more in this Daily Journal article. Read here: https://hubs.la/Q04v3zwY0 #JAMSInsights #Mediation

JAMS is proud to announce that Best Lawyers® has recognized even more of its panelists for 2027 than the previous year. Four neutrals were honored as “Lawyers of the Year” and 66 neutrals were named as “Best Lawyers in America” for 2027. “Lawyers of the Year” receive exceptionally high rankings from their peers and only one individual in a given geographical region and practice area is selected for this recognition each year. See the full list and learn more about these prestigious ADR professionals. Read here: https://hubs.la/Q04tT43Q0 #JAMSAwards #TheWayForward

Join JAMS at the Singapore Mediation Lecture & Appreciation Lunch 2026, presented by the Singapore Mediation Centre and Aequitas Law LLP. JAMS neutral, Ambassador Huebner, will deliver this year’s Singapore Mediation Lecture exploring the interconnected roles of mediation and diplomacy in resolving international conflict. JAMS featured speakers & participants: • Jeffrey Benz, Esq., FCIArb, FCollArb, CEDS • Gary Birnberg, Esq., FCIArb • Amb. (Ret.) David Huebner, F.CIArb, C.Arb, CollArb • Melissa Lelaind, Senior VP, Operations • Dr. Anton G. Maurer, LL.M.(Suffolk Univ., Boston, MA), FCIArb • Stephen Townley, FCIArb Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04tMG0k0 #JAMSEvents #SingaporeConventionWeek

Highly respected for his work as lead author on a groundbreaking investigative report on the Uvalde elementary school mass shooting, Hon. Michael Massengale (Former), FCIArb, was chosen by the Texas legislature to do a similar report on the flooding disaster at Camp Mystic. Learn more about Justice Massengale’s love of writing and what he and other investigators found in both of these critical investigations. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04tKLvT0 #JAMSInsights #NeutralAnalysis