Addressing Consumer Class-Action & Mass Arbitration Challenges

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 Dispute Resolution Boards (DRBs) member 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 various 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.

Anna Capelle is the Managing Counsel, Litigation & Law Claims at Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Amanda is a litigator and a highly experienced litigation trial team leader for Fortune 500 companies facing class actions and complex business disputes. She has spent her entire career helping companies effectively respond to class actions related to complex tax issues and consumer fraud allegations, particularly the disclosure aspects of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. Amanda has successfully argued motions and appeals in state court, drafted briefs securing the dismissal of multimillion dollar lawsuits in federal court, resolved significant tax disputes with state and local taxing authorities, and reviewed and drafted legislation aimed at resolving legal issues with a broader public impact. She has also represented public sector entities with constitutional issues and related litigation surrounding pension reform efforts, including the City of St. Louis' high-profile victory regarding the $50 million overhaul of its firefighter pension program.

Brandi Burke is the Vice President of Litigation at Charter Communication.