Professional Bio
The Honorable Jeri K. Somers (Ret.) is an independent arbitrator and mediator with more than thirty years of experience resolving complex disputes across employment, government contracts, construction, and commercial matters. She brings to her ADR practice the perspective of a former federal trial judge, senior litigator, and military judge, enabling her to manage difficult cases efficiently, fairly, and with credibility to all parties.
Judge Somers served for eighteen years on the United States Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, including as Chief Judge, presiding over high-stakes trials and alternative dispute resolution proceedings involving federal procurement disputes worldwide. Since retiring from the bench in 2021, she has devoted her practice to arbitration and mediation, handling matters involving employment and workplace disputes, federal and state procurement, prime–subcontractor conflicts, construction, business dissolution, civil rights, intellectual property, real property, and financial claims.
As a mediator, Judge Somers employs both facilitative and evaluative techniques, tailored to the needs of the parties and the posture of the case, with a strong focus on informed decision-making and durable resolution. As an arbitrator, she is known for careful case management, thorough analysis of the record, and clear, well-reasoned written awards.
Judge Somers also serves on the Foreign Service Grievance Board and is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
