Jerry Spolter, Esq., a veteran mediator and recipient of numerous awards in the field of mediation, is widely recognized for his energetic, upbeat persona, and tenacity in getting parties to resolve disputes. Among Mr. Spolter's crucial strategies for successful mediations is identifying and resolving "red flags" before settlement talks even commence, as well as diligent preparation, and persistent follow up.

ADR Experience and Qualifications

Mr. Spolter has served as a neutral in more than 4,000 disputes covering a full range of issues since 1985 emphasizing business, employment, professional liability, and catastrophic personal injury. Cases have ranged in value from zero to several hundred million dollars; likewise, the number of parties range from two to more than a hundred, exclusive of class actions.

Representative Matters 

• Hawaiian retail chain’s computer defect claim against national accounting firm
• Regional Transit District's claim against manufacturer regarding defective bus fleet 
• Franchisor-franchisee disputes
• Heirs' claim against trustee and counsel for misuse of trust funds
• Price disputes between California agricultural growers' and canners
• Numerous employment and wage & hour disputes, including claims brought under the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA)
• Catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death disputes including wrongful death allegations arising from airline crashes, ship collisions, construction sites and military exercises 
• Municipality’s False Claims Act against long term tow and storage contractor
• Employment and product defect class actions
• Legal, accountancy, dental and medical malpractice claims
• Insurance bad faith and major subrogation claims
• Construction defect claims including school auditorium and municipality's $40 million water system defect claims

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

• Recognized as a "Best Lawyers, Mediation," Best Lawyers in America, 2023
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2022, 2024
• Recognized as a "Top Master," Daily Journal Top California Neutrals List, 2013
• Recognized as a Best Lawyer, ADR Category, Best Lawyers in America, 2012-2015, 2022
• Best Individual Mediator, Hall of Fame, The Recorder, 2012
• Named #1 Mediator, survey of Bay Area attorneys, The Recorder, 2009-2012
• Named a Top California Neutral, Daily Journal, 2004-2011
• NorCal Super Lawyer, 2005-2014
• Outstanding Achievement in Mediation Award, The Mediation Society, 2002
• Mediator of the Year Award, San Francisco Trial Lawyers' Association, 2000
• Mediator of the Year, American Arbitration Association, 1989
• Bar Memberships and Affiliations: U.S. Supreme Court; Supreme Court of California; U.S. Court of Military Appeals; Maritime Law Association (1981-2004), National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) (1992-2002); American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

Background and Education

• Managing Partner, Spolter, McDonald & Mannion, San Francisco, CA, 1975-2005
• J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, 1974
• FAA Commercial Pilots License, 1972; NAUI Scuba Certificate 1975
• Major, USMCR, Plt. Cmdr., Co.Cmdr., Aerial Observer, Viet Nam, 1968-1970
• Defense Language Institute (Vietnamese), 1968
• Language: Spanish
• B.A., Political Science, San Jose State University, 1967