The Honorable Jeri K. Somers (Ret.)

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From the Bench to the Table: After eighteen years as a federal judge—including serving as Chief Judge of the United States Civilian Board of Contract Appeals—I now help parties resolve their toughest disputes without stepping into a courtroom.

Battle-Tested Problem Solver: Whether it's a multi-million dollar construction dispute, a thorny employment matter, or a federal contract gone sideways, I've seen it all—and I know how to cut through complexity to find solutions that stick.

Triple Threat Background: I bring the rare trifecta of federal trial judge, senior litigator, and military judge experience to every case, which means I understand what works in the real world, not just in theory.

Still Serving: Beyond my private practice, I sit on the Foreign Service Grievance Board and proudly retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps—once a judge advocate, always a judge advocate.

Off the Clock: When I'm not mediating disputes or writing arbitration awards, you'll find me on the golf course working on my short game or exploring new destinations around the world.

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Career Highlights

Chief Judge, U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (2017-2021)

Twice nominated by President Obama to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (2014, 2015)

Mediated over 150 complex disputes under the Contract Disputes Act and as an independent neutral. Cases involved multimillion-dollar claims, multiple parties including prime contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and expert witnesses, often extending over multiple days.

Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)

Military Judge (2004-2007)

Judge Advocate General (1986-2007)

Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia (1994-2001)

Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Commercial Litigation Branch (1991-1994)

18 years on the CBCA (2003-2021), resolving approximately 150 bench trial cases involving government contracts, construction, and federal procurement disputes.

AAA neutral arbitrator on Construction, Commercial, Government Contracts, and Healthcare panels. Has served as sole arbitrator, party-appointed arbitrator, and panel chair. Arbitrated FEMA Stafford Act disaster recovery disputes, 340B drug pricing matters, and securities disputes as FINRA arbitrator.

Current appointments:

Foreign Service Grievance Board

Military Justice Review Panel

Lecturer at George Washington University Law School

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Areas of Expertise

  • Contract Disputes Act proceedings, agency decision-making, procurement regulatory compliance, APA standards of review, FEMA Stafford Act disaster relief disputes.

  • Delay and disruption claims, design-build projects, differing site conditions, change orders, lost productivity (Eichleay formula), surety bond and indemnity claims, terminations for default and convenience.

  • Commercial contract disputes, business matters, and multi-party commercial conflicts.

  • Software development failures, system integration claims, SaaS and cloud services disputes, DoD IT contracts subject to DFARS cybersecurity and data rights clauses.

  • Federal agency disputes, regulatory compliance, APA standards of review, institutional knowledge unavailable from arbitrators without federal judicial backgrounds.

  • Foreign Service grievances under the Foreign Service Act of 1980, federal employment disputes, disciplinary and termination matters, performance and assignment disputes.

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturer-covered entity disputes, contract pharmacy issues, manufacturer pricing restrictions, duplicate discount and diversion allegations, intersection of 340B obligations with Medicaid best price rules.