Diversity Discussion: Elimination of Bias in Alternative Dispute Resolution

Denise Langford-Morris, Retired Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court, joined JAMS in Detroit in 2022 after serving on the Oakland County bench for 30 years. Judge Langford-Morris was the first African American and the first female dean of the Oakland County bench since its inception in 1848.  During her tenure on the bench, she presided over thousands of civil, business, family and criminal cases including jury and bench trials. She managed every aspect of all the cases assigned to her from filing to post judgment in the AAA-bond-rated county of over 1.2 million people.

Hon. Moshe Jacobius (Ret.) joined JAMS in Chicago following a distinguished 31-year career as a Cook County Circuit Court judge, including service as presiding judge in both the Chancery and Domestic Relations divisions. Judge Jacobius has extensive experience in family law matters and spent 20 years in the Domestic Relations Division, including 10 years as presiding judge. As the head of one of the nation’s busiest family court dockets, he heard hundreds of motions and arguments, and presided over trials involving custody, large estates and substantial business holdings. Judge Jacobius immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 and was a teacher prior to pursuing a legal career.

Hon. Lawrence E. Mooney (Ret.) joined JAMS in St. Louis following over 21 years of distinguished service as a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, including a term as chief judge. From 2015 to his retirement, Judge Mooney served as his court’s settlement judge, screening all civil matters filed with the court in an effort to find opportunities for settlement prior to adjudication. Judge Mooney won consistent praise from both the court and litigants for his ability to identify alternatives to litigation and his work with parties to settle dozens of matters set for appeal.