MEDIATION
Hon. DaSean Jones is an experienced trial attorney, former district court judge, and evaluative mediator who brings disciplined analysis, credibility, and real-world trial insight to civil dispute resolution. His mediation practice is informed by decades of courtroom experience and a practical understanding of how liability, damages, and jury risk translate into real outcomes—often in ways parties do not anticipate.
Judge Jones served two elected terms as Judge of the 180th District Court of Harris County, Texas—a criminal felony court and one of the busiest trial courts in the state. From the bench, he presided over hundreds of jury trials and thousands of contested hearings involving high-stakes, emotionally charged matters. That experience refined his ability to assess credibility, evaluate evidentiary strength, and manage complex proceedings—skills that now anchor his evaluative mediation style.
Prior to his judicial service, Judge Jones was a seasoned civil trial lawyer representing plaintiffs in motor vehicle accident, employment discrimination, Title VII, Texas Labor Code, whistleblower, DTPA, and other contested civil matters. He practiced in state, federal, and military courts, gaining firsthand insight into how cases are framed, challenged, and ultimately decided.
Upon returning to private practice, Judge Jones first-chaired or co-counseled five trial settings within his first 50 days, each involving cases valued by the parties at approximately $150,000. Those cases resulted in combined verdicts and settlements totaling $732,000. These outcomes underscore a reality Judge Jones emphasizes in mediation: trial outcomes are inherently unpredictable, and valuation assumptions—on both sides—often shift dramatically once credibility, evidence, and jury dynamics come into play.
It was during this return to active trial work that fellow members of the bar encouraged Judge Jones to add mediation to his practice, recognizing that his ability to translate trial risk into concrete outcomes could bring needed clarity to difficult cases.
Judge Jones is particularly effective in mediating motor vehicle accident, employment, and other civil disputes involving contested liability, causation, and damages, where informed evaluation—not positional bargaining—is critical. His mediation style is actively evaluative and carrier-conscious. He works with counsel and claims professionals to test liability theories, scrutinize damages proof, assess jury appeal, and realistically evaluate verdict exposure, post-verdict risk, and cost of continued litigation.
As both a former judge and active trial lawyer, Judge Jones understands the operational realities faced by insurers, self-insured entities, and defense counsel, including reserve integrity, venue sensitivity, litigation spend, and adverse development risk. His mediations are structured, efficient, and focused on informed resolution—not delay.
In addition to his civilian practice, Judge Jones is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps and currently serves as a military judge. A decorated combat veteran and graduate of the Military Judge’s Course, he brings decisiveness, preparation, and disciplined process control to every mediation.
Judge Jones is widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and credibility. Carriers and counsel trust that he evaluates cases honestly, challenges unsupported assumptions, and helps parties confront the real risks of trial through experience—not theory.
Judge Jones served two elected terms as Judge of the 180th District Court of Harris County, Texas—a criminal felony court and one of the busiest trial courts in the state. From the bench, he presided over hundreds of jury trials and thousands of contested hearings involving high-stakes, emotionally charged matters. That experience refined his ability to assess credibility, evaluate evidentiary strength, and manage complex proceedings—skills that now anchor his evaluative mediation style.
Prior to his judicial service, Judge Jones was a seasoned civil trial lawyer representing plaintiffs in motor vehicle accident, employment discrimination, Title VII, Texas Labor Code, whistleblower, DTPA, and other contested civil matters. He practiced in state, federal, and military courts, gaining firsthand insight into how cases are framed, challenged, and ultimately decided.
Upon returning to private practice, Judge Jones first-chaired or co-counseled five trial settings within his first 50 days, each involving cases valued by the parties at approximately $150,000. Those cases resulted in combined verdicts and settlements totaling $732,000. These outcomes underscore a reality Judge Jones emphasizes in mediation: trial outcomes are inherently unpredictable, and valuation assumptions—on both sides—often shift dramatically once credibility, evidence, and jury dynamics come into play.
It was during this return to active trial work that fellow members of the bar encouraged Judge Jones to add mediation to his practice, recognizing that his ability to translate trial risk into concrete outcomes could bring needed clarity to difficult cases.
Judge Jones is particularly effective in mediating motor vehicle accident, employment, and other civil disputes involving contested liability, causation, and damages, where informed evaluation—not positional bargaining—is critical. His mediation style is actively evaluative and carrier-conscious. He works with counsel and claims professionals to test liability theories, scrutinize damages proof, assess jury appeal, and realistically evaluate verdict exposure, post-verdict risk, and cost of continued litigation.
As both a former judge and active trial lawyer, Judge Jones understands the operational realities faced by insurers, self-insured entities, and defense counsel, including reserve integrity, venue sensitivity, litigation spend, and adverse development risk. His mediations are structured, efficient, and focused on informed resolution—not delay.
In addition to his civilian practice, Judge Jones is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps and currently serves as a military judge. A decorated combat veteran and graduate of the Military Judge’s Course, he brings decisiveness, preparation, and disciplined process control to every mediation.
Judge Jones is widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and credibility. Carriers and counsel trust that he evaluates cases honestly, challenges unsupported assumptions, and helps parties confront the real risks of trial through experience—not theory.
MEDIATION FEES
Half-Day Mediation: $1,000 per side
Full-Day Mediation: $2,000 per side
Full-Day Mediation: $2,000 per side
PRE-MEDIATION GUIDANCE
To promote an efficient and productive mediation, Judge Jones encourages parties to arrive prepared with the following:
- Decision-Maker Authority
Attendance by a representative with full settlement authority or real-time access to decision-makers is required. - Realistic Risk Assessment
Parties should be prepared to discuss likely—not ideal—trial outcomes, including credibility challenges and evidentiary gaps. - Damages Documentation
Medical records, expert reports, wage-loss information, and damages analysis should be exchanged and reviewed in advance where possible. - Coverage and Exposure Considerations
Coverage limits, liens, subrogation interests, and indemnity issues should be identified early to avoid late-stage impasse. - Focused Mediation Statements
Confidential submissions should address liability, damages, and exposure analysis rather than advocacy rhetoric.
Judge Jones conducts mediations with respect for counsel’s preparation, the carrier’s decision-making process, and the goal of reaching informed, cost-effective resolution when appropriate.
