Joan B. Kessler, Esq., Ph.D.

Joan B. Kessler, Esq., Ph.D., brings close to 20 years’ experience as an ADR professional and a Ph.D. in communications to her mediation and arbitration practice at JAMS. Dr. Kessler has mediated and arbitrated hundreds of diverse matters, including individual and class action employment, real property, business/commercial (including partnership and shareholder disputes), estates/probate/trusts, insurance, health care and entertainment cases. With a law career spanning more than 30 years, she has the legal experience and knowledge to quickly understand complex legal issues. Her 10-plus years of experience as a jury researcher and consultant affords her the ability to provide key insights into jury dynamics.

Dr. Kessler is a uniquely qualified mediator and arbitrator whose training and education allow her to communicate effectively with attorneys and all parties involved in her matters. Her background in communications helps her to develop a rapport with even the most challenging, combative and high-profile personalities. She possesses a keen ability to bring parties together to reach resolution on even the most contentious of matters. Dr. Kessler uses her ability to speak Spanish and her understanding of intercultural uniqueness in Korean, Persian, Israeli, Armenian and other cultures to help resolve disputes through mediation.

Dr. Kessler has for years been firmly committed to mentoring law students and new lawyers. For over 25 years, the Joan B. Kessler Award has provided support for graduate students at the University of Michigan to assist them in completing their dissertation research.

Dr. Kessler has been honored as one of the top women litigators in California, recognized on the list of Most Influential Women Attorneys by the Los Angeles Business Journal and repeatedly named a Southern California Super Lawyer. She rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell.

jkessler@jamsadr.com 310-309-6208 http://www.jamsadr.com/kessler