Health Policy and Requirements

JAMS has adopted protocols to support the safety and well-being of our clients, neutrals and associates. We respectfully request that you assist in efforts to maintain a safe environment by following guidelines supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Effective October 1, 2022, unless otherwise required by local regulations, proof of vaccination is no longer mandatory in JAMS Resolution Centers. Please contact your local JAMS manager or Case Manager if you have any questions.

Unless otherwise required by local regulations, face coverings are no longer mandatory in JAMS Resolution Centers. If you have questions or would like more information about the practice of specific neutrals, please contact your local JAMS Manager or Case Manager.

• Do not come to a Resolution Center if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness or have had a fever (above 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications within the prior 24 hours.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, refrain from shaking hands, and follow local guidelines and requirements regarding face coverings.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

The following protocols have been adopted to support the safety and well-being of our associates, neutrals and clients:

• Customer Service: We may have fewer staff in the office at any given time, but please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make your experience better in our Resolution Centers.
• Food and Beverages: Coffee and beverage areas are open for use, and JAMS may provide individually wrapped lunches and snacks upon request. Please connect with your local JAMS manager or Case Manager to confirm the manner in which the RC is arranging for lunch preparation.
• Cleaning: Our Resolution Centers undergo enhanced cleaning throughout the day and sanitizing rooms each evening using EPA-registered cleaning products; monitoring building management protocols regarding frequent sanitizing in all building common areas, as well proper ventilation and air circulation.
• Social Distancing: JAMS may limit the number of matters heard in a Resolution Center on a given day, staggering start times for cases to avoid large groups of people at our reception desks and lobbies, providing hand sanitizer throughout our facilities, and encouraging remote participation.
• Associate Safety: Spacing out our associates in our centers through physical barriers, changing layouts of workspaces, encouraging associate telework and staggering shifts and breaks.

Hybrid and Virtual ADR Services

JAMS offers comprehensive preparation and on-demand tech support for hybrid and virtual mediations and arbitrations.

• JAMS neutrals receive training on multiple video- conferencing platforms and are adept at navigating online
• JAMS Resolution Centers are equipped with premium technology for hybrid matters.
• JAMS Virtual ADR Moderators are available to assist all parties and remain on standby to resolve technical matters, including after hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is JAMS requiring staff, neutrals, attorneys and clients to attest to or prove they have been fully vaccinated prior to entering a JAMS Resolution Center?

Effective October 1, 2022, unless otherwise required by local regulations, proof of vaccination is no longer mandatory in JAMS Resolution Centers.  Please contact your local JAMS manager or Case Manager if you have any questions.

Are you requiring the use of face coverings in all areas of your Resolution Centers?

Effective April 6, 2022, unless otherwise required by local regulations, face coverings are no longer mandatory in JAMS Resolution Centers. If you have questions or would like more information about the practice of specific neutrals, please contact your local JAMS Manager or Case Manager.

Are the administrative fees the same for in-person, hybrid and remote hearings?

Yes. Administrative fees at JAMS support the work required to provide you with the best service possible, including the setting of cases, management of documents and other critical administrative tasks. With remote cases, the amount of support can be even greater as it also includes real-time support of video platforms during the session, pre-session tech checks, along with managing the typical demands of any live matter. There are many complexities surrounding the management of virtual hearings, which may result in higher costs for JAMS, but our goal is to supply you with the service and support you’ve come to expect from JAMS while maintaining our fee structure. Please watch this video to learn more about JAMS Virtual ADR Moderators.

Are JAMS Resolution Centers open for in-person sessions and which panelists are available for remote, in-person or hybrid sessions?

All JAMS Resolution Centers are now open for in-person or hybrid sessions, although it is best to contact your local Resolution Center for the most up-to-date information. A particular panelist’s availability to conduct virtual/remote mediations, arbitrations, and other ADR proceedings is listed on our panelist’s bios on the JAMS website. In addition, please contact a panelist’s case manager for details regarding availability for in-person, hybrid and/or remote sessions.

Do you have materials to help me and my clients prepare for remote sessions?

Yes. You will be offered the opportunity to test the platform, work out exchange of documents, and ask questions of an experienced case manager. More information is available on our Virtual ADR Page.

If I want a remote hearing, do I have choices other than Zoom?

Yes. We are adept at many platforms. If you wish to explore whether your neutral is able to support you on the platform of your choice, please contact the JAMS Case Manager in charge of your case. We have found Zoom to be user-friendly, HIPAA compliant and ADR-compatible, and have trained our panelists on this platform as well as others. JAMS mediators and arbitrators (neutrals) are experienced at managing the resolution process whether they are conducting an in-person or virtual hearing. JAMS neutrals and case managers receive ongoing training on the latest videoconferencing technology and best practices. In addition to traditional conference calls, JAMS offers a range of videoconferencing options for mediations and arbitrations based on case size and complexity, client comfort level and cost considerations.