JJ Johnston - Mediator Profile

The Go-To Mediator for Complex Employment and Class Action Cases

For more than two decades, I’ve helped parties resolve some of the most complex and high-stakes employment disputes in California. Drawing on over 35 years of practice as an employment attorney — representing both plaintiffs and defendants — I bring a balanced, informed perspective to mediation. Today, I focus exclusively on mediating employment and class action cases, combining legal insight, strong communication skills, and a practical, results-oriented approach to settlement.

Since 2002, I’ve mediated a wide range of employment cases, including wage and hour class actions, PAGA claims, wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation, sexual harassment, prevailing wage, and fair pay act claims. While still practicing law, I began mediating part-time, gradually realizing that helping people find resolution was my true passion. In 2017, I transitioned fully to mediation and have focused exclusively on it ever since.

Mediation Experience

I bring decades of legal and mediation experience to every case:

2017 – Present: Full-time mediator specializing in employment and class action cases
2005 – 2019: Panel mediator, Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two
2005 – 2019: Panel mediator, U.S. District Court, Central District of California
2019 – 2020: Panel mediator, Orange County Superior Court
2002 – 2005: Panel mediator, Riverside Superior Court

I continue to stay deeply engaged in the field, committed to thorough preparation, ongoing follow-up, and a collaborative approach tailored to each matter.

Recognition

I’m honored to be recognized among the top mediators in the field:

International Academy of Mediators - Distinguished Fellow. Membership in the International Academy of Mediators is by invitation only, and is limited to professional commercial mediators who are well-established and recognized in their local or regional community as leading mediators in the field. IAM is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious organization for commercial mediators, with a notably selective membership process
National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals - Diplomate member. The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals is a professional association whose membership consists of ADR professionals in the United States. Members are among the most in-demand neutrals in their respective states, as selected by their peers and approved by local litigators. Membership is by invitation only and all Academy members have been thoroughly reviewed and found to meet stringent practice criteria

Training

I believe in continuous professional development and have completed hundreds of hours of advanced training, including:

Harvard Law School Negotiation Workshop
Pepperdine University’s “Mediating the Litigated Case” program at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

Education

University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A. 1976)
McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 1986)

Bar and Court Admissions

Member of California State Bar since December, 1986
United States District Court, Eastern District of California, December, 1986
United State District Court, Central District of California, March 1992
United States Supreme Court, June 1990;
United States District Court, Southern District of California, August 2017

Publications

I regularly contribute articles to leading legal publications such as the Daily Journal, Advocate, and The Recorder, where I write on employment law, PAGA, and wage and hour class actions. A list of my articles is available here, which include practical insights and case law commentary for attorneys and professionals involved in employment litigation.

Rooted in Experience, Driven by Resolution

Throughout my career, I’ve been guided by a commitment to fairness, trust, and effective resolution. Whether navigating a high-stakes class action or a deeply personal employment dispute, I strive to help parties find common ground and move forward. If you’d like to discuss a mediation or learn more about my approach, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to the opportunity to work together.

> JJ Johnston's Linkedin Profile > Daily Journal - The Resolution Issue