Hon. Annette M. Rizzo (Ret.)

Following sixteen years of service on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, this neutral entered private practice to provide mediation, arbitration, and special master services. Her judicial tenure was marked by presiding over a vast array of civil litigation matters, including a significant role in developing the court's Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program. Before her time on the bench, she spent ten years in private practice focusing on complex commercial litigation and insurance defense, and served as senior counsel for a major financial institution.

A former judge with a strong background in both public service and private corporate legal departments, offering a balanced perspective for complex multi-party mediations.

Nationally recognized for creating the Philadelphia Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program, which served as a national model during the housing crisis.

She is widely regarded by legal professionals for her empathetic approach and her ability to navigate highly emotional, high-stakes disputes with patience and persistence. Colleagues and counsel frequently note her deep understanding of both the legal and human elements of a case.