Introduction
When people search for JAMS locations, they are often looking for more than an address. They may need to know where a mediation or arbitration can take place, whether a hearing can be handled online, which office is best for an interstate dispute, or how to choose a JAMS neutral who truly fits the case.
JAMS makes this easier than it may first appear. Its network combines physical Resolution Centers with virtual and hybrid services, allowing parties to focus on the right neutral and the right process, rather than treating geography as the only consideration. JAMS currently describes its network as more than 500 neutrals across 29 locations, with services available internationally.
Where Are JAMS Locations?
JAMS has Resolution Centers across major U.S. markets and in Toronto, with London supporting its international reach. The established physical-center network includes:
Atlanta; Boca Raton; Boston; Century City; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Detroit; Houston; Inland Empire; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Minneapolis; New York; Orange County; Philadelphia; Sacramento; San Diego; San Francisco; Santa Rosa; Seattle; Silicon Valley; St. Louis; Toronto; Walnut Creek; and Washington, D.C.
JAMS also maintains a broader service footprint through individual neutrals who may be based in, travel to, or conduct virtual proceedings for locations that should not automatically be interpreted as standalone public Resolution Centers. That distinction matters when arranging an in-person hearing. JAMS’s live location finder is the best final check for whether a facility is physically available.
Denver deserves special attention because JAMS identifies its Denver operation as a licensee office, meaning its policies and procedures can differ from those of JAMS, Inc.
What Happens at a JAMS Resolution Center?
A JAMS Resolution Center is designed for mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. The facilities generally provide conference rooms, private spaces, technology for remote participants, case-management support and professional environments for confidential proceedings.
The newer facilities show how much modern ADR has changed. Atlanta, for example, has conference rooms equipped for video proceedings, enhanced audio, high-speed internet, private breakout areas and security features. Los Angeles has similarly expanded its hearing and conference-room capacity, including dedicated international arbitration facilities.
Miami is another strong example. Its Resolution Center includes numerous conference rooms, an enlarged arbitration room, technology for virtual and hybrid proceedings, security features and client amenities.
The practical lesson is simple: the office is not merely a room where lawyers meet. For a complicated dispute, good facilities can reduce technology problems, improve privacy, accommodate witnesses and make a long hearing more manageable.
Do You Have to Go to a JAMS Office?
No.
JAMS supports in-person, virtual and hybrid proceedings. Its Resolution Centers are equipped to connect people attending from different locations, while its virtual services can accommodate platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Webex.
This can solve several common problems:
Problem: The parties are in different states.
A virtual or hybrid hearing may remove unnecessary travel.
Problem: A key witness cannot travel.
A remote appearance may allow the witness to participate without delaying the proceeding.
Problem: One side wants an office while another prefers remote participation.
A hybrid hearing can connect both groups.
Problem: The case requires sophisticated technology.
A JAMS Resolution Center can provide professional hearing technology and case-management support.
The result is that the “nearest JAMS office” is not always the best answer.
How Should You Choose the Right JAMS Location?
Start with the case, not the map.
First, check the arbitration agreement, court order or other governing document. In arbitration, the legal seat and the physical hearing location are not necessarily the same thing. JAMS rules allow hearings to occur at different locations, and the arbitrator may consider the convenience of parties and witnesses when determining where a hearing should take place.
Next, consider the people who actually need to attend. A location with easy airport access may be more useful than an office that is geographically closer but difficult for witnesses or clients to reach.
Then look closely at the neutral. JAMS itself emphasizes that selecting a mediator should not become a contest over impressive résumés. Experience, reputation, temperament and demonstrated mediation skill can matter more than simply finding someone who knows every technical term in the industry.
For arbitration, the selection process deserves equal attention. Parties should review the arbitration clause and the qualifications required for the arbitrator before treating office location as the main selection factor.
Which JAMS Locations Are Best for International Arbitration?
For international matters, several JAMS centers have dedicated international arbitration capabilities.
JAMS identifies international arbitration facilities in Los Angeles, Century City, Houston, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Houston is particularly important for cross-border energy, construction and Latin America-related disputes.
New York is another major international venue, with JAMS supporting both domestic and international arbitrations and collaborating with the New York International Arbitration Center.
The key point is that an international case should be evaluated on legal seat, governing law, enforceability, witness convenience, industry connections, tribunal availability and hearing requirements, not simply on which office looks most convenient.
What Is the Best JAMS Location for Your Case?
There is no universal “best” JAMS location.
For a local employment dispute, the most practical option may be a nearby center with an experienced employment neutral. For a large commercial arbitration involving international witnesses, a major international arbitration center may make more sense. For a dispute involving participants scattered across the country, a hybrid or fully virtual proceeding may be the most efficient choice.
JAMS itself recommends contacting its team when choosing a location and neutral. Its location directory allows searches by city, state or ZIP code and distinguishes physical locations from the broader service network.
One final precaution can prevent a major headache: verify the address immediately before the proceeding. JAMS has recently relocated several important Resolution Centers, including Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C.
The Bottom Line
JAMS locations are best understood as part of a larger dispute-resolution system rather than a simple list of offices. You can use a physical Resolution Center, participate virtually, combine both approaches, or select a neutral who serves your market without being physically based there.
The smartest choice is usually the one that brings together the right neutral, the right legal framework, the right hearing format and the least unnecessary travel or disruption.
For a final location decision, use JAMS’s live Resolution Center directory and confirm the hearing format, facility, neutral availability and case-management arrangements directly with JAMS. For sessions outside the United States, JAMS specifically directs parties to its international team.