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Neutral Spotlight – Hon. Toni E. Clarke (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?  I had several first jobs. I was a babysitter, a junior lifeguard and clerk at a swimming pool, and I tried retail.
  2. What inspired you to pursue a career in law?  It may have started from watching Perry Mason. Also, when I was young, friends often came to me as a problem solver for them. When I was very young, I always thought I wanted to be a judge but did not know at that time that you had to be a lawyer first.
  3. If you weren’t a lawyer or judge, what other career might you have pursued?  I’m not really sure, perhaps a coach or sportscaster.
  4. What led to your transition into ADR?  As a presiding judge, I often felt that nearly 50% of the cases before me could or should have been settled.
  5. How has your experience as a judge shaped your approach to mediation?  It gives me insight on what could happen if the case is not settled and helps me facilitate a resolution with that information “in mind.”
  6. When both parties seem unwilling to compromise, how do you help move them toward a resolution?  I speak with each side separately with counsel present and talk with them about pros and cons of their case, possible outcomes, and the costs of getting a result. Before we start with mediation, I talk with all parties and counsel about the 5 C’s: Cost of litigation, Control over the outcome, Closure, Compromise, and Confidentiality.
  7. What advice would you give to lawyers preparing for mediations?  I would advise counsel to have a realistic and sometimes difficult conversation with their client about the pros and cons of their case and possible outcomes prior to mediation. I also educate their clients about the process, which rules apply, and why certain things have to be done within certain time frames.
  8. What’s a hidden talent or hobby that most people might not know about you?  I’m not so sure about if it’s hidden, but I play many sports. Basketball was my primary sport growing up, where I played in high school and college. I almost made the WBB Olympic team in 1976. I can juggle. I used to practice juggling basketballs for eye hand coordination.
  9. If you could invite any three people (past or present) to a dinner party, who would you invite?  That’s a tough one to limit to three people, but I guess from celebrity standpoint, I would say Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Lucille Ball. From a legal perspective, I would say Justice O’Connor, Justice Ginsburg, and Justice Sotomayor. From a civil rights perspective, I would say Martin Luther King, Jr.
  10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, either personally or professionally?  Be patient success will come. Protect your reputation. Be active in bar associations. Give back to the community.

    The Honorable Toni E. Clarke joined The McCammon Group in 2020 after over twenty years of dedicated service as an Associate Judge on the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. Prior to her judicial tenure, Judge Clarke served Prince George’s County as an Associate County Attorney and as the State’s Attorney and was in private practice focusing on civil litigation. Judge Clarke is a Past President of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association; Past President of the Women’s Bar Association of Maryland; Past President of the Prince George’s County Bar Association; and Past Chair of the Judicial Division of the American Bar Association. She is a Recipient of the Rita C. Davidson Award from the Women’s Bar Association of Maryland; the Distinguished Woman Award from the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys of Maryland; and was twice named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record. Judge Clarke now brings this distinguished record to The McCammon Group to serve the mediation needs of lawyers and litigants in Maryland.

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."