Profile photo of Deborah S. Ballati, Esq.

Deborah S. Ballati, Esq.

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
San Francisco, CA, United States

About

With over 40 years of legal experience, this neutral transitioned to a full-time dispute resolution practice following a distinguished career as a litigation partner at Farella Braun + Martel. Her background includes extensive work in complex construction disputes, insurance coverage matters, and general commercial litigation. She has served as a neutral in numerous domestic and international cases, handling issues ranging from infrastructure projects to professional liability.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Construction Energy & Environment Insurance Real Estate & Property

Professional Experience

Neutral
JAMS (Present)
Partner
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Chair
Farella Braun + Martel Construction Practice Group

Publications Leadership

  • Past Chair, ABA Forum on the Construction Industry
  • Co-author, California Construction Law
  • Frequent speaker at American College of Construction Lawyers annual conferences
  • Contributor to various JAMS Global Engineering and Construction newsletters
  • Lecturer on mediation and arbitration strategies for complex commercial disputes

Positioning Takeaways

A seasoned construction specialist with a national reputation for resolving intricate infrastructure and insurance disputes through mediation and arbitration.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California
  • United States District Court
  • Northern District of California
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • Ninth Circuit

Education

J.D.
University of California, San Francisco, Law (formerly Hastings College of the Law)
1975
B.A.
Stanford University
1972

Distinction

First woman to serve as President of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

Reputation

She is highly regarded by peers and clients for her deep technical knowledge of construction law and her ability to manage multi-party, high-stakes disputes with a persistent and fair approach.