Preparing for Settlement Right From the Start

Ivy S. Bernhardson joined JAMS in 2021 after more than 29 years of experience as a corporate counsel and governance expert, as well as 13 years as a trial court judge in Hennepin County (Minneapolis) District Court, including four years as chief judge. Judge Bernhardson has presided over criminal, civil, mental health and family law matters. Her diverse career includes significant nonprofit board leadership and governance responsibilities. She served as chair of the board of trustees of Gustavus Adolphus College and Fairview Southdale Hospital. She served 12 years as a trustee of the Bush Foundation, and as a director of the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

Hon. John C. Griffin (Ret.) joined JAMS in Chicago after over a decade of service to the Illinois judiciary. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Griffin was in private practice for 30 years, with a wide-ranging litigation practice that allowed him to argue before the chancery, law, probate, county and municipal divisions in the Circuit Court of Cook County. As an attorney, he did appellate work in the state court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. In addition, Judge Griffin’s practice included extensive transactional experience, particularly in the construction field, where he represented numerous builders and developers in zoning, developments and related corporate matters.