Hon. Alan S. Penkower
Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, Retired

Since retiring from the bench and joining ARC, Judge Alan Penkower has earned a reputation as a “go to” mediator in cases involving complicated legal, factual and highly contentious issues. He has successfully mediated hundreds of disputes, many involving multiple parties. Judge Penkower has recently been chosen to apportion a $1.25 million settlement in sexual abuse claims against the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and to resolve a series of E coli cases in New Jersey.

PRACTICE AREAS

Complex litigation, business/commercial disputes, construction defects, catastrophic injuries, medical and other professional malpractice, employment, product liability, toxic torts, intellectual property, insurance coverage, bad faith, real estate.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION EXPERIENCE

Judge Penkower is regarded as a fair and patient judge and mediator, equipped with an excellent understanding of the law and outstanding communication and analytical skills. He honed his conflict resolution skills during his three-decade judicial career in Pittsburgh, PA. He incorporated a combination of facilitative and evaluative techniques in his settlement efforts, resulting in a high rate of success.

In his last 16 years on the bench, Judge Penkower served in the civil division of the Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania’s equivalent of California Superior Court. He presided over 800 jury and non-jury trials spanning the entire range of civil litigation, and conducted more than 4,000 settlement conferences.

Judge Penkower is admired for his willingness and ability to tackle the most complex matters, and his tenacity and creativity in bringing disputes to a successful resolution. His colleagues among the bench and bar note his even temperament, sense of humor, relaxed and friendly demeanor, and empathy with all parties.

ORGANIZATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Appointed Mediator for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania

Panel of Neutral Arbitrators, Kaiser Permanente Arbitration System

Association for Conflict Resolution

Former President, Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges; 1st Honorary Member, Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, PA; Member, American Inns of Court, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh; Member, Los Angeles County and Allegheny County bar associations

EDUCATION & TRAINING

J.D., New York University School of Law (1967)

B.A., Brandeis University (1965)

Civil mediation training, National Judicial College; Advanced mediation training, Straus Institute; Assistant Faculty, Civil Mediation Course, National Judicial College

Judge Penkower is available in California, Pennsylvania, and nationally.

Century City
310.284.8224

Dowtown
213.623.0211

Toll Free
1.800.347.4512