ADR Systems is pleased to announce that the Hon. Edward Washington II, (Ret.) has joined our panel of senior mediators and arbitrators. In his 30 years of legal experience, Judge Washington has served as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 corporation, a national law firm partner in litigation and a trial judge in the Cook County Circuit Court.

“In my experience as a trial judge, I always sought to get the parties to come to a compromise – a place where their interests overlap,” Washington said. “I enjoy getting settlements where both parties find the result acceptable, because, as we know, a trial verdict is rarely acceptable to both sides. In leaving the bench, serving parties who might initially be diametrically opposed to an agreement is an exciting opportunity for me.”

During his judicial career, Judge Washington presided over commercial matters including antitrust. business dissolution and employment. along with personal injury matters such as medical malpractice, product liability and mass torts. He also has extensive experience in legal malpractice and probate cases.

“Judge Washington works hard to settle disputes, while maintaining neutrality at all times,” said Marc Becker, president of ADR Systems. “He works with all parties to find a common ground, and I am looking forward to having him join our panel of neutrals at ADR Systems.”

Judge Washington is also known for his community service in the both the legal community and the greater Cook County community. He serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Civil Jury Instructions and was a founding member and chair for the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Liaison Committee. He currently volunteers with several high school and middle school mock trial programs, and previously served on the boards for the Chicago Youth Centers and Better Boys Foundation.

“I have a commitment to the youth in our community,” Washington said. “Growing up in Chicago, I realized what a difference it made to have role models to look up to and gain insights into opportunities beyond my world. I like to use law to demonstrate to young people the value of analytical and critical thinking in anything they choose to do.”

In addition to mediation and arbitration, Judge Washington serves as a visiting professor at Harvard Law School, where he teaches trial advocacy.

“In serving as visiting law school faculty, panel speaker and providing presentations to lawyers, I learn from them as they learn from me,” Washington said.

To view Judge Washington’s full bio, click here.

To check Judge Washington’s availability, click here.

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