Mediator, arbitrator, and consultant with decades of experience resolving complex commercial and construction disputes.
Jud Perkins is an experienced consultant, arbitrator, mediator, and educator with a distinguished career spanning senior management positions with the Walt Disney Company, Madison Square Garden, the National Basketball Association, Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, and multiple major arena and development projects.
As a mediator, Jud has achieved more than 85% successful resolution across over 450 cases in Rhode Island District Courts, New York City Courts, the American Arbitration Association, and the ADR Center of Connecticut. His construction dispute experience ranges from $50,000 to $1.2 million, with 35 years of mediating project dynamics on projects valued from $150 million to $925 million.
Jud's mediation philosophy centers on earning the trust of all parties, keeping communication open, separating people from the problem, and helping parties expand their options — always committed to solution over conflict.
Cases Mediated
Years as Mediator
Resolution Rate
Mediation Philosophy
Jud Perkins approaches every mediation with a single overriding goal: helping the parties reach a durable, mutually acceptable resolution. His philosophy is grounded in the belief that mediation is the first and best opportunity to resolve disputes before they escalate.
Drawing on decades of senior management experience — where he regularly navigated complex multi-party negotiations involving owners, architects, contractors, and financial stakeholders — Jud brings a uniquely practical perspective to the mediation room.
"Mediation is the first and best opportunity to resolve disputes in the Dispute Resolution Process."
Earn Trust First
Jud begins every session by establishing credibility and impartiality with all parties — creating the psychological safety necessary for honest negotiation.
Separate People from the Problem
By focusing on interests rather than positions, Jud helps parties move past entrenched stances toward creative, workable solutions.
Expand the Options
Rather than forcing a binary outcome, Jud works to expand the solution space — identifying value-creating trades that litigation can never achieve.
Keep Communication Open
Even in high-conflict situations, Jud maintains structured dialogue that keeps all parties engaged and moving toward resolution.
Professional Experience
ADR Experience
American Arbitration Association (AAA)
Arbitrator and Mediator
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Arbitrator
National Center for Dispute Settlement
Arbitrator
Center for Mediation and Collaboration — Rhode Island
Mediator
ADR Center Connecticut
Arbitrator and Mediator
New York City Courts
Virtual Mediator
Rhode Island District Courts
Mediator
Senior Management Background
Construction & Development
Mohegan Sun · MSG · EPCOT · Magic Kingdom
Led the development of major projects including the $925M Mohegan Sun Casino expansion, $200M Madison Square Garden renovation, and $135M Scottrade Center. Senior team member on $1.2B Walt Disney World EPCOT Center and $400M Magic Kingdom.
Sports & Entertainment
Madison Square Garden · Scottrade Center · Broward County Arena · National Basketball Association
Responsible for operations at major arena venues including concessions, suite sales, sponsorship, and design/construction of new facilities. Managed worldwide special events for the National Basketball Association.
Hospitality
Walt Disney World
Chairman of the Directors Operating Committee at Walt Disney World, responsible for annual operations including resort operations, food service, merchandising, and theme park management.
Consulting
Multiple clients
Provided consulting services on construction project management, dispute avoidance, and operational efficiency for arena, hospitality, and entertainment clients.
Areas of Practice
"Mediation is the first and best opportunity to resolve disputes in the Dispute Resolution Process."
— Jud Perkins
Credentials & Training
ADR Experience
Ohio State University
B.S., Industrial Management
University of Southern California
MBAs, Finance & Business Administration
Quinnipiac University
40-Hour Mediation Certificate Program
Professional Associations
Center for Mediation - Rhode Island
Program Committee Member
Connecticut Mediation Association
Board Member
American Arbitration Association
AAA Panelist
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
FINRA Arbitrator
ADR Training & Continuing Education
Extensive training through the American Arbitration Association including:
Court Appointments & Panels
