Sheryl Axelrod Brings the Judges Pro Tempore in the Commerce Program to the Philadelphia Bar Association Women in the Profession Committee

There are few women serving as mediators and arbitrators, and even fewer women of color.  

The Commerce Program judges have actively called upon those who serve as Judges Pro Tempore in the Commerce Program to try to expand the diversity of their ranks. On August 2, 2022, the Philadelphia Bar Association Women in the Profession Committee held a meeting focused on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). At it, The Honorable Gerald Austin McHugh, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, spoke about serving as a federal court mediator, and Sheryl Axelrod, President of The Axelrod Firm, spoke about serving: 1) as a Judge Pro Tempore / Settlement Master in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Commerce Program, and 2) as a AAA Arbitrator, to encourage women in the profession to seek such posts, and the processes involved in applying for them. It was a lively, well attended program, and after their presentations, they answered the audience’s questions about these opportunities and how they benefit the courts and enrich an attorney’s career, knowledge, capabilities, and experience.  

Sheryl has given similar presentations to the APABA-PA and The Barristers Association of Philadelphia.