JJ Johnston

I’m a nationally recognized employment and class action mediator, dedicated to helping parties resolve their most challenging disputes. With over 20 years of mediation experience and nearly 30 years in employment law as both attorney and neutral, I have guided parties through complex disputes. I’ve successfully mediated cases ranging from wage and hour class actions and PAGA claims to wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, prevailing wage disputes, fair pay act claims, and defamation. My path into mediation began in 2002, when I started mediating part-time alongside my work as an employment litigator. For the next 15 years, I balanced both roles. But by 2017, I realized that my passion for mediation deserved my full focus. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself entirely to mediation and have emerged as a go-to neutral in complex employment and class action cases involving nuanced legal and factual issues. My approach is grounded in deep legal knowledge, strong communication and listening skills, and a creative, collaborative mindset. I’m committed to helping parties reach mutually beneficial outcomes in even the most high-stakes and emotionally charged matters. I’ve completed advanced mediation and negotiation training at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Law and the Harvard Law School Negotiation Workshop. I’m also honored to be a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators and a Diplomate Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, organizations that invite only the most accomplished neutrals in the field. In addition to my mediation practice, I publish a monthly newsletter summarizing appellate decisions in employment law, which is highly regarded in the legal community and has been cited in a published court of appeal decision. I also frequently contribute to legal publications, including the Daily Journal, Recorder, Advocate, and other outlets. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a commitment to fairness, trust, and effectiveness. My transition from seasoned employment lawyer to full-time mediator reflects my dedication to helping people find resolution and move forward.