Neutral Spotlight – Hon. Gerald Bruce Lee (Ret.)

With 81 distinguished Neutrals—including retired judges and seasoned attorneys—serving Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, The McCammon Group is excited to continue our “Neutral Spotlight” series. This ongoing feature highlights the exceptional expertise, diverse experiences, and unique backgrounds of our Neutrals. Through these spotlights, we offer a closer look at the professionals who are committed to delivering fair, effective, and innovative dispute resolution services. Join us as we showcase the individuals who contribute to The McCammon Group’s reputation as a trusted leader in alternative dispute resolution.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in law?  I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. As a lawyer, I was my clients’ advocate and personal champion in court.
2. What was your first job?  Paperboy for The Washington Post.
3. What’s a hidden talent or hobby that most people might not know about you?  I love all types of music. I was a radio FM Dee Jay in college at The American University on WAMU FM.
4. If you could invite any three people (past or present) to a dinner party, who would you invite?  Frederick Douglass, John F. Kennedy, and Lt. Col. Charity Adams. 
5. Do you have a favorite book, movie, music, or tv show? Book – The Soul of America, by John Meacham, Movie – My Cousin Vinny, TV Show – Abbott Elementary. 
6. What led to your transition into ADR?  After 40 years in court, I went into mediation because I can help litigants and lawyers settle cases in a way I could not as a judge. As a mediator, I can engage the parties and help them find a way to resolve their cases without angst and unknown risks of litigation.
7. What advice would you give to lawyers about preparing for mediation?  Give the mediator insight in writing about the evidence, challenges, and opportunities with key exhibits, videos, and photos about the case. Fully use the ex parte individual call with the mediator and clue us in on how we can help get the case settled.
8. What qualities do you think are essential for someone in your role to be an effective neutral party? A great mediator is a secure individual who works well with people, listens to the lawyers and parties, engages them where they are, and always seeks creative solutions.
9. What trends or changes have you observed in dispute resolution over the years?  Post pandemic, I have learned that I can effectively communicate and settle all types of complex cases in remote mediations. Before the pandemic, the majority of my work was in person and regional. Many of my cases now involve parties, lawyers, claims representatives, C Suite executives, and managers scattered across the country. Post pandemic, these professionals and I recognized that matters can be resolved effectively in remote mediations without taking 2-3 days travel out of the office.
10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, either personally or professionally?  “Excellence does not just happen. It is a decision you have to make each day.”

The Honorable Gerald Bruce Lee (Ret.) has been a Neutral with The McCammon Group since 2018, handling over 300 civil cases spanning a wide range of disputes. Before joining The McCammon Group, Judge Lee served 19 years on the bench of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Prior to his federal judicial appointment, he spent more than 6 years as a judge on the Fairfax Circuit Court. Earlier in his career, he was a trial lawyer, representing individuals and businesses in complex civil litigation. Judge Lee is a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation and has made significant contributions to his community through service on various boards and committees. These include the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, chairmanship of the Virginia Judicial Conference Judicial Education Committee, and membership in the Virginia Circuit Court Judges Benchbook Committee.  Judge Lee now brings his record of excellence and achievement to The McCammon Group to serve the alternative dispute resolution needs of lawyers and litigants throughout Virginia, D.C. and beyond.