Denise Langford Morris
Mediator & Arbitrator
(Retired Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court)
Description of field of expertise
Denise Langford Morris, Retired Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court,joined JAMS in 2022 after serving on the Oakland County (Michigan) bench for 30 years. Judge Langford Morris was the first African American and the first female dean of the Oakland County bench since its inception in 1848. During her tenure on the bench, she presided over thousands of civil, business, family and criminal cases, including jury and bench trials. She retired as the first African American chief judge pro tempore to serve on the court.
Judge Langford Morris is a former assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Civil Division, where she managed cases involving condemnation, premises liability, auto negligence, employment defense, wrongful discharge, fraud and Bivens actions. In addition, she has extensive trial practice as a private practitioner in the areas of insurance defense, municipal defense, products liability, construction accident defense and premises liability.
As a mediator and arbitrator at JAMS, Judge Langford Morris’ practice areas include business/commercial, employment, class action and mass tort, and products liability. She has a national practice and is known for her dedication to the rule of law and her ability to work with parties from all walks of life. She is also known for her patience, perseverance and integrity in helping parties reach resolutions.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
My advice to those interested in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is to be mindful of your reputation. You should be laser-focused on the methods you utilize to achieve the most pristine reputation possible. Whether you become interested in ADR as a law student, having been exposed to mediation or other ADR clinic courses, or you begin working at a law firm and gain experience handling an ADR matter that stimulates your interest, or perhaps you gain skills in academia, business or like me, served in a judicial or quasi-judicial related capacity; Your primary goal should be to work hard to establish your reputation as a lawyer who possesses the experience, integrity and skills to help others understand the complexities of challenging problems and strive to solve them by all necessary and appropriate means.
Additional Information…
For new lawyers in particular, know that the field of ADR can provide a rewarding, challenging, long-term and successful career. It will require that you possess flexibility, personality and a willingness to learn the necessary skills to forge resolutions while remaining neutral and displaying solid ethics. Professionalism, civility and confidentiality are crucial. Developing these skill sets and marketing yourself at every opportunity will help you create a sustainable career in ADR.
.
