Tell us about your legal career prior to joining JAMS.

My legal career began in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, where I worked as an assistant district attorney charging and trying criminal cases before courts and juries. Next, I was appointed assistant United States attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, with civil and criminal trial responsibilities. I was also designated a special assistant United States attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. My nearly 40-year judicial career began when I was appointed as a United States bankruptcy judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. I sat on the bankruptcy court for approximately 19 years, including 10 years as chief bankruptcy judge. My judicial career continued with an appointment as United States district judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and more than 20 years of service, including 3 years as chief district judge.

How did you become interested in ADR?

My interest in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) was sparked when I was an assistant district attorney and a volunteer in a Salvation Army diversion program for accused individuals seeking to avoid criminal charges. As a judge, I enjoyed the back and forth of negotiations that resolved civil disputes amicably.