JAMS, the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide, today announced the addition of Hon. Richard Bennett (Ret.) to its panel. Judge Bennett will be based in the JAMS San Francisco Resolution Center. He will specialize as an arbitrator, mediator and special master for disputes in a variety of areas including Agribusiness, Business/Commercial, Employment, Family Law, Estates/Probate/Trusts, Personal Injury/Torts and Professional Liability.

He served on the Napa County Courts for 21 years, including three years as Presiding Judge and six years as Assistant Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Since 2006, Judge Bennett served on the Administrative Office of the Courts Assigned Judges Program in Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Modoc, Monterey, Napa and Solano Counties. He also participated in the creation and operation of the Napa Superior Court Family Mediation Program, Napa Superior Court Dependency Mediation Program and Napa County Superior Court Unified Family Court.

“Judge Bennett has a reputation for being fair, accessible and efficient,” said Chris Poole, JAMS president and CEO. “He also has a way of using humor and grace to quell emotional and heated situations. I know he’ll be a terrific asset to attorneys.” 

“My time on the bench was a great experience and gave me the tools and foundation to take to the next phase in my professional life,” said Judge Bennett. “I’m going to miss my colleagues in the court, but I’m very excited to join JAMS and continue doing the ADR work that I really enjoy.”

Judge Bennett graduated with his B.A. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and received his law degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

About JAMS, The Resolution Experts
Founded in 1979, JAMS, The Resolution Experts is the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide. With Resolution Centers nationwide and abroad, JAMS and its more than 250 exclusive neutrals are responsible for resolving thousands of the world’s important cases. JAMS may be reached at 800-352-5267 or www.jamsadr.com.