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Neutral Spotlight – Hon. James S. Yoffy (Ret.)

With over 80 distinguished Neutrals—including retired judges and seasoned attorneys—serving Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, The McCammon Group is excited to continue our “Neutral Spotlight” series. This ongoing feature highlights the exceptional expertise, diverse experiences, and unique backgrounds of our Neutrals. Through these spotlights, we offer a closer look at the professionals who are committed to delivering fair, effective, and innovative dispute resolution services. Join us as we showcase the individuals who contribute to The McCammon Group’s reputation as a trusted leader in alternative dispute resolution.

  1. What was your first job?  My first job was as a social worker for the City of Richmond.  It was rewarding and frustrating.
  2. If you were not a lawyer or judge, what other career might you have pursued?  I would have become a high school teacher or college professor.
  3. What inspired you to pursue a career in law?  I wanted an education that taught me to identify issues and to solve them.
  4. What led to your transition into ADR?  ADR was a natural transition for a trial judge.  I saw the need to avoid lengthy and expensive trials which were clogging the dockets.  Often litigants were waiting years to have their cases heard.  ADR was a perfect way to solve these issues.
  5. How has your experience as a judge shaped your approach to mediation?  As a judge, you need to identify and address each issue.  This same experience is necessary in mediation but with a gentler approach.
  6. What types of cases do you find find most rewarding or challenging?  The the most rewarding cases are those that don’t settle at the mediation session but require follow-up, massaging, and cajoling to reach a successful settlement.
  7. What qualities do you think are essential for someone in your role to be an effective neutral party? Listening – Patience – Perseverance. 
  8. What advice would you give to lawyers about preparing for mediations?  Prepare your client and do your discovery.
  9. What do you enjoy most about retirement, and how do you spend your free time?  I have not learned to enjoy retirement. I would rather be working, but when I have down time, I enjoy playing golf, working in my yard, and reading a good spy novel. 
  10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received professionally or personally?  Prepare, prepare, and prepare more!

    The Honorable James S. Yoffy retired as Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia after over fifteen years of distinguished judicial service in Henrico County. He began his judicial tenure as a Judge of the General District Court in Henrico County where he served for nearly six years. Early in his legal career, Judge Yoffy served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond and later as Deputy Assistant in that office. He subsequently enjoyed a private law practice in Richmond. Among his many credentials, Judge Yoffy was a member of the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, the Circuit Court Forms Committee, and the Special Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law and Legal Ethics Opinion. He is a former President of the Richmond Criminal Bar Association and former Chair of the Virginia State Bar Board of Governors Criminal Law Section. Judge Yoffy now brings this record of dedication and accomplishment to The McCammon Group to serve the mediation, arbitration, judge pro tempore and special master needs of lawyers and litigants throughout the Commonwealth.

WHAT LAWYERS AND LITIGANTS ARE SAYING:

  • "The mediator was essential to injecting reality into discussions."

  • "A truly excellent job; patient, thorough and helpful in evaluating options."

  • "Scheduling was easy, prompt and efficient."

  • "The mediator was extremely prepared, compassionate, and determined to assist the parties with reaching a resolution."

  • "We were able to settle a highly contentious case after years of litigation just a few weeks before trial."

  • "Great communication and easy to deal with. Excellent all around."

  • "The mediator was fair and understood how to convey the weakness of a case without being judgmental."

  • "I have always been favorably impressed by the Neutrals at The McCammon Group."

  • "The mediator handled a very difficult mediation with patience and humor."

  • "Extraordinary skill and persistence in successfully mediating a very difficult case."

  • "Very efficient and courteous."

  • "Sometimes the human side of these cases leaves the practical side and they seem impossible to settle. Your "never give up" attitude carried the day."

  • "You have rendered invaluable service to me and my clients in the past, and we will continue to call upon you in the future when the need for a highly-skilled professional mediator arises."

  • "The depth and quality of the available mediators is exceptional."

  • "It is always great to use McCammon instead of litigation!"

  • "The quality of your panel members allows choice and comfort in the knowledge that your matter will be fully and fairly heard and resolved."