Laura C. Abrahamson, Esq., joins JAMS with robust ADR experience, following her illustrious legal career in private practice and in-house senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies. She brings a unique, well-rounded and pragmatic perspective to her ADR practice, as well as deep national and international experience in the engineering, construction, oil and gas, and chemicals industries.

Ms. Abrahamson has experience as an arbitrator, advocate and client in more than 100 arbitrations and major litigation matters and more than 50 mediations within the U.S. and significant jurisdictions around the world, including matters involving antitrust, complex commercial contracts, energy, engineering and construction, environmental, labor and employment, insurance coverage, intellectual property, securities and sports and entertainment.

Jeffrey Benz, Esq., FCIArb, FCollArb, CEDS, is a dual-qualified US attorney (California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York) and barrister (England & Wales) and sought-after ADR practitioner based in London and Los Angeles. Following a career as a private practice litigator with a large international law firm, Mr. Benz worked in-house at global sports and entertainment and technology organizations, including in executive leadership positions. He brings this well-rounded perspective to his ADR practice.

Mr. Benz has mediated and arbitrated several hundred complex domestic and cross-border disputes under the rules of many major institutions. He has been recognized repeatedly as “Lawyer of the Year” for arbitration in Los Angeles and was recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America (Best Lawyers, 2021-23). Mr Benz has also developed a sports-focused specialty.

Colin Ward received his bachelor’s degree from the London School of Economics, and his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. After clerking for Judge Smith of the Ninth Circuit, and Judge Chen of the Northern District of California, Colin practiced at Quinn Emanuel, with a focus on intellectual property and appellate litigation. He is currently Vice President, Chief Litigation Counsel at Viasat, where he is responsible for the company’s litigation and arbitration matters worldwide. Colin has significant experience with international dispute resolution, and has successfully handled cases in the US, UK, EU, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, and Israel. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers and the ICDR’s California Advisory Committee. He also serves as a Temporary Judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court.