ADR Systems is pleased to welcome Hon. Patrick J. Sherlock, (Ret.) to our panel of senior mediators and arbitrators. Judge Sherlock served for 18 years in the Circuit Court of Cook County, most recently as the Supervising Judge of the Commercial Calendar Section and the Mandatory Arbitration Program.

He previously oversaw the Asbestos Docket and has presided over hundreds of civil matters spanning commercial litigation, employment disputes, real estate, personal injury and more. His judicial leadership, combined with a broad base of trial and pretrial experience, makes him a natural fit as a mediator and arbitrator.

“The depth and breadth of Judge Sherlock’s experience – across both the Law Division and Commercial Calendar – sets him apart,” said Marc Becker, president of ADR Systems. “He brings a practical understanding of how to keep complex cases on track and connects extremely well with people, applying a resolution-focused mindset to every matter before him.”

While on the bench, Judge Sherlock oversaw one particularly contentious legal malpractice matter involving a prominent Chicago law firm and $160 million in damages. To keep the case focused, he required biweekly updates, coordinated ancillary action across jurisdictions and steered parties toward resolution within a remarkably short period.

His final trial was a class action brought by traders against a large financial institution. The class sought $2.15 billion in damages. After three weeks, the jury returned a verdict.

“If you insert yourself into a case and provide a roadmap to settlement, the parties begin to focus on what matters, and they follow your lead,” said Judge Sherlock. “That approach translates well to mediation and arbitration, where my role is to help parties cut through complexity and concentrate on a sensible resolution.”

Judge Sherlock brings with him not only a reputation for fair-mindedness and legal acumen, but also a deeply practical view of the benefits of alternative dispute resolution. He has mediated hundreds of cases on the bench and believes ADR offers parties a better forum to address issues that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle of litigation.

“In mediation, parties have chosen to come to the table. The process helps them narrow the issues in dispute and concentrate on what will drive the case forward,” he explained. “Arbitration, too, can provide a quicker, final resolution that’s grounded in fairness and legal expertise. When parties choose their neutral, they start with confidence in the process, laying a strong foundation for a productive resolution.”

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Hon. Patrick J. Sherlock, (Ret.) has over 35 years of experience in litigation matters, garnering a reputation for his work ethic, thoughtfulness and inventive approach to resolving commercial and complex tort disputes. While on the bench, Judge Sherlock presided over and settled many notable cases, including the first baby powder mesothelioma case in Illinois and a multi-billion dollar class action concerning shareholder rights. His rulings have been affirmed by more than 100 appellate court opinions.

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