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Neutral Spotlight – Hon. John R. Doyle III (Ret.)

With over 90 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. If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring? My golf bag (might as well work on my sand shots), my dog, Grady, and Grady’s chuck-it ball. I know what you’re thinking, but my wife would not do well stuck on a deserted island!
  2. If you could invite any three people (past or present) to a dinner party, who would you invite?  Bill Russell, William Shakespeare, Nate Bargatze
  3. What was your first job?  My first job was working as a 13-year-old caddy at a country club in my hometown. I carried 2 bags for 18 holes, for about $10 each I think. Observing how the golfers handled both adversity and victory made a big impression on me, as did how they treated me.
  4. What inspired you to pursue a career in law?  My last 2 years of college, I took a lot of philosophy courses. Logic and defining “justice” — it led to a study of the law. Plus, honestly, I think I wanted college to last 3 more years.
  5. If you weren’t a lawyer or judge, what other career might you have pursued?  If I hadn’t gone to law school, I would have pursued a career as a basketball coach. I think my parents were relieved by my choice.
  6. What led to your transition into ADR?  A trial by judge or jury is the best way to decide an unresolved dispute. But it is an expensive, stressful, uncertain option of last resort. I wanted to help litigants avoid that last option. The relief that comes over the room when a case settles is a rewarding feeling.
  7. How has your experience as a judge shaped your approach to mediation?  One of my main goals as a judge was keeping everyone involved calm and focused. I think that translates well into mediation.
  8. What types of cases do you find most rewarding or challenging?  The most challenging cases are those where the parties have a history together. Getting past resentment, distrust, revenge seeking, and tangential issues can be challenging. But when a settlement is reached, it is very rewarding to see a stressful chapter closed.
  9. What qualities do you think are essential for someone in your role to be an effective neutral party?  One quality that helps me is that I actually am a bit of an introvert. But that results in me being best in one-on-one interactions, which makes the mediation process quite comfortable for me. I think (I hope) it has helped me to make that necessary connection towards gaining trust.
  10. What advice would you give to lawyers about preparing for mediations?  Lawyers get a good result when their client understands that mediation will not produce a win – lose result. Also, being prepared to make an objective, logical decision regarding a very subjective matter is paramount.
  11. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, either personally or professionally?  I had several mentors early in my development who gave me really challenging assignments before both I and others probably thought I was ready for them. They showed me that challenging yourself is the fuel for personal growth.
  12. What do you enjoy most about retirement, and how do you spend your free time?  I am definitely “semi” retired, which is good because my wife is still working as a health care executive and also serves on the Norfolk City Council. But there are times when I can forget what day of the week it is and that is way cool.

The Honorable John “Jack” R. Doyle, III  joined The McCammon Group in 2023 after fifteen years of distinguished service on the bench of the 4th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia (Norfolk).  Prior to his judicial career, Judge Doyle served two consecutive terms as Norfolk’s Commonwealth’s Attorney and enjoyed a private practice focusing on civil litigation.  Among his many credentials, he served on the Norfolk Electoral Board and is a Past Vice Chair of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys and the Criminal Law Section of the Virginia State Bar.  Judge Doyle now brings this record of dedication and accomplishment 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."