Hon. John M. Mott (Ret.) has successfully mediated, arbitrated, and served as a neutral case evaluator at JAMS in multiple matters since 2018, following more than 18 years of distinguished service as a judge for the District of Columbia Superior Court, including the last eight years presiding over trials and conducting judicial mediation in a wide array of complex civil disputes. His fairness, patience and deep understanding of the legal process, legal issues and possible outcomes make him an excellent neutral for mediation, arbitration and special master work. And his three decades of experience as a judge, litigator and trial advocacy professor have uniquely prepared Judge Mott to serve as a case evaluator.

Judge Mott has successfully mediated settlements in a wide variety of disputes, including construction, employment, business, commercial, insurance, medical malpractice, civil rights, personal injury, probate, family and many others. Judge Mott has gained a reputation for facilitating the settlement of the most difficult and intractable cases.

• As a mediator, Judge Mott draws on his experience, intellect and sense of fairness, as well as his emotional intelligence and ability to relate to and persuade people, to achieve resolution.
• Judge Mott is well known for his hard work, tenacity and creativity in resolving disputes and fashioning settlements.
• Judge Mott is an adamant believer in the benefits of pre-mediation discussions, review and preparation, which help him distill the essence of the case, its relevant details and the priorities of the parties.
• As an arbitrator, Judge Mott handles matters efficiently and thoughtfully, coordinates with counsel on a comprehensive case management order, carefully considers submissions and presentations and presides over a fair and expeditious proceeding.
• Judge Mott is well known for his fair, reasonable and unbiased decisions; his grasp of complex material; and his excellent writing.
• As a special master, Judge Mott oversees and coordinates projects, investigations and cases, with or without court oversight, and works with the parties to develop a comprehensive plan that streamlines case management and addresses issues of discovery (both conventional and electronic) and issues involving work product and privilege.  
• In case evaluation, Judge Mott provides clear and balanced perspective and advice—informed by 30 years of trial experience—regarding presentation of matters to judges or jury, including assessing the strengths and weaknesses of cases, witnesses, arguments and litigation strategy and consideration of likely outcomes.

Representative Matters

• Construction
Mediated cases involving issues relating to construction defects, workmanship, change orders, disputes between general contractor and subcontractors, the “Little Miller Act” and overpayment
• Contract
Mediated disputes involving construction, real estate and technology contracts; insurance; contract interpretation; fraud; partnership; noncompete agreements; construction defects; property damage;  condominium associations; and attorneys’ fees
• Employment Law
Mediated discrimination cases involving national and local corporations with allegations of wrongful termination, retaliatory discharge, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and discrimination based on age, gender and national origin
• Family Law
Mediated and presided over complex, contentious and emotional family matters involving issues of child custody and property distribution, assessment of marital versus non-marital property, valuation, contribution, visitation and other parenting issues, and spousal and child support
• Higher Education & Title IX
Serves as hearing officer in conjunction with university Title IX coordinators; has mediated a range of university disputes including denial of tenure and allegations of various forms of discrimination and retaliation
• International
Mediated international disputes involving multinational corporations and foreign companies
• Medical Malpractice
Mediated medical malpractice claims against health care providers and institutions in a variety of medical specialties; mediated multiple personal injury and wrongful death cases in a variety of medical specialties; regularly addressed issues relating to informed consent and the national standards of care
• Personal Injury
Mediated matters dealing with automobile collisions, Amtrak, WMATA, products liability, construction site accidents, allegations of wrongful death, negligent infliction of emotional distress, lost wages and medical expenses
• Probate
Mediated matters involving disputes over property, holdover tenancy, quiet title and partition, among others
• Religious Institutions
Mediated cases involving allegations of fraud, mismanagement, violation of bylaws and composition of boards

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

• Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS
• Member, New York, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia Bar Associations
• American Bar Association
• National Association of Women Judges
• Hispanic Bar Association
• Former Steering Committee Co-Chair, Courts Lawyers and the Administration of Justice Section, D.C. Bar Association
• Former Member, Charlotte E. Ray American Inn of Court
• Adjunct  Professor, George Washington University School of Law School, The American Jury, 2001–Present
• Adjunct  Professor, Trial Advocacy, Harvard Law School, 2011–Present
• Speaker, AAJ 2020 AC: Panel: Mediating During the Pandemic, Using Technology to Enhance Case Preparation and Presentation, July 13, 2020

Background and Education

• Associate Judge, District of Columbia Superior Court, 2000–2018; Senior Judge, 2018
• Acting Chief, Deputy Chief and Senior Trial Attorney, Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, U.S. Department of Justice, 1995–2000
• Public Defender Service, 1988–1995
• J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, 1988
• B.A., History, Dartmouth College, 1981