Janice Sperow is an independent full-time arbitrator, Hearing Officer, mediator, Special Master,
discovery referee, and Judge Pro Tem. With over 40 years of service as an arbitrator, Ms.
Sperow brings extensive experience and analytical depth to resolve disputes fairly, efficiently,
and cost-effectively. Known for her responsiveness and well-managed cases, Ms. Sperow
specializes in commercial, employment, technology, healthcare, transportation, life sciences,
trade, financial services, mass claims, IP, PAGA, and expedited disputes. Ms. Sperow oversees
videoconference, documents only, in person, and hybrid hearings worldwide ranging from single
day hearings to multi-district, month long nine figure matters. She is a neutral for CPR, AAA, the
World Intellectual Property Organization, FINRA, the American Health Law Association, the
International Chamber of Commerce, NFA, NAM, San Diego Superior Court, New Era ADR,
Resolute Systems, and more. She has been inducted as a Fellow in the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators, into the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, and into the Academy of
Court-Appointed Neutrals.
Having served as a mediator in countless matters, as an arbitrator in over 550 arbitrations, and
as counsel in over 1000 arbitrations before becoming a full-time neutral, Ms. Sperow has
handled the full range of healthcare, business, consumer, and employment disputes, including
contract, fraud, business torts, legal services, payor provider, payment default, faulty design,
aviation, warranty, trade secret, IP misappropriation, energy, alternative energy, PAGA,
injunctive relief, FDIC, interstate commerce, unfair competition, unfair business practices,
restraint of trade, antitrust, trade, cannabis, franchise, bio-tech, technology, elder abuse,
automotive, communication, telecommunications, semiconductor, professional fees, defamation,
design defects, medical devices, race, age, sexual orientation, gender, and disability
discrimination, class actions, misclassification, wage and hour disputes, Labor Code, FEHA
claims, leave issues, wrongful and constructive termination, privacy concerns, whistleblower
and retaliation claims, sexual harassment, workplace safety, banking, commodities, securities,
unauthorized trading, suitability, fiduciary duties, hedge fund, brokerage, loan repayments, debt
collection, TCPA, CCRA, ACH matters, privacy, data breach, and cybersecurity disputes. Ms.
Sperow also oversees and adjudicates consumer, employment, and other mass claims and
class action arbitration. Ms. Sperow serves as a Hearing Officer for the City & County of Los
Angeles, the City & County of San Francisco, and the San Diego Port Authority. Ms. Sperow is
a member of Dispute Resolution Boards (DRBs) for Cal-Trans and many other construction
panels.
A former litigator with Morrison & Foerster, before becoming Managing Partner and Head of
Litigation & ADR at Ruiz & Sperow, a woman-owned, minority owned law firm, Ms. Sperow
received her BA from UC Berkeley, graduating magna cum laude and her JD from UC Hastings,
graduating summa cum laude. She began her career as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Richard
J. Cardamone of the 2nd Circuit. Ms. Sperow writes and speaks on a wide range of ADR topics
and actively participates in several dispute resolution associations and think tanks. Former
president of the National Association of Women Lawyers and Vice President of the California
Women Lawyers, Ms. Sperow is committed to the profession and service.