Neutral Spotlight – Hon. C. Randall Lowe (Ret.)

With 83 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’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?  I have hiked Rim to Rim at Grand Canyon and that I ride a Harley.
2. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Reliable, conscientious, and funny.
3. If you had to eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be? Country cookin’.
4. If you could swap lives with any person for a day, who would it be and why?  A fire department paramedic: when I finished high school (during the era of “Emergency” on TV), I wanted to move to Los Angeles and become a paramedic in the fire department.  I would still like to give that a try for a day.
5. How has your experience as a judge shaped your approach to mediation?  I have learned as a judge that the best outcomes in a case resulted when the parties reached their own agreement rather than having the Court impose a ruling.
6. How do you handle situations where both parties seem unwilling to compromise? Perseverance, keeping them talking, trying to find the impediment to compromise.
7. What advice would you give to lawyers about preparing for mediations?  Help your client understand the concept of mediation. It is a time to examine not only the other party’s case but also your own. Help the parties understand that you are crafting your own solution as well as removing the pitfalls of litigation. 
8. How do you maintain neutrality when emotions run high in a dispute? You stand in the middle and ask the parties to meet you there. You acknowledge the emotions in the room, but don’t become a part of the emotions. Remain calm, steady, and always directing toward a solution.
9. What do you think the biggest misconception about mediation is?  The biggest misconception is that mediation is not worth the cost and that it will not work.
10. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  Don’t open your mouth until you have engaged your brain.

The Honorable C. Randall Lowe joined The McCammon Group in 2023 after twenty-two years of distinguished judicial service, including eleven years as Chief Judge. As a lawyer, he enjoyed a successful career in private practice, litigating a wide range of civil cases. Judge Lowe is the 2022 Recipient of The Honorable Harry L. Carrico Outstanding Career Service Award and the 2022 Recipient of the Virginia Mountain/Valley Lawyer’s Alliance, Roscoe Boler Stephenson Jr. Lifetime Service to Justice Award.  He is a Past President of the Washington County Bar Association, Former Chairman of the Washington County Planning Commission, and Former Chairman of the Virginia Judicial Conference Education Committee. Judge Lowe continues to bring this record of dedication and accomplishment to The McCammon Group to serve the mediation, arbitration, judge pro tempore, and special master needs of lawyers and litigants throughout the Commonwealth.