About

 Joel Grossman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors, in 1972, where he studied English. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in English from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1974. Joel then attended UCLA Law School, graduating in 1979 with the honor of being elected to the Order of the Coif. Joel’s legal career began with a clerkship for Hon. Eugene Wright of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In 1980 Joel joined the Los Angeles office of O’Melveny & Myers, where he practiced labor and employment law. During this period he co-authored a leading treatise on employment law, Modern Law of Employment Contracts, with Charles G. Bakaly Jr. After O’Melveny, Joel was a partner with the law firm of Selvin & Weiner, where he handled labor and litigation matters.

In early 1989, Joel left private practice to become the head of the Labor Relations and Litigation Divisions of Sony Pictures Entertainment, a major studio which produces motion pictures and television. In this role, Joel oversaw all of the company’s employment litigation, including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, employment discrimination and wage and hour cases. He also oversaw all other litigation, including such typical entertainment disputes as copyright infringement, trademark claims, profit participation disputes and idea submission cases. He also oversaw class actions involving antitrust law.

In the Fall of 2003, after nearly 15 years at Sony, Joel decided to become a mediator. Mediation had a special appeal for Joel, who had participated in many mediations on behalf of Sony. Joel joined ADR Services, Inc., and stayed there through the end of 2009. In early 2010 Joel joined JAMS, the nation's leading provider of mediation and arbitration services. He has had a wonderful success rate, and has excellent references from lawyers who have participated in mediations with him, both on the plaintiff and defense side.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009, 2010 and 2012 Joel was selected by the Daily Journal as one of the Top Neutrals in California.

Print Joel M. Grossman's resume (PDF)

Joel is a very experienced and accomplished speaker. Since becoming a mediator he has spoken on several topics at bar associations and law firms. Topics include Mediation 101; Sexual Harassment in the Law Firm Setting, and Keeping In-House Counsel Happy. Among other venues, Joel has spoken at the following: Los Angeles County Bar Association, Bevery Hills Bar Association, several law firms.

If your firm or organization would like to schedule Joel for a speech for full MCLE credit, please contact JAMS at 800.352.5267.