Hon. Heather A. Welch (Ret.) joins JAMS after a distinguished 23-year career on the Marion Superior Court (Indianapolis), including service as an Indiana commercial court judge for almost eight years and the presiding judge of the Marion Superior Court during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Judge Welch presided over commercial and business disputes, she also managed a civil docket comprising over 2,000 cases, including complex product liability, medical and legal malpractice, construction and personal injury matters. She is known for her hands-on approach and efficiency in managing cases while considering the proportionality issues of each case to develop a timely but cost-conscious solution when appropriate.

While on the bench, Judge Welch held many leadership roles, including presiding judge of the Marion Superior Court, chair of the ABA Judicial Division, president of the Indiana Judges Association, elected member of the American Law Institute, chair elect of the National Association of Women Judges and legal writing adjunct professor at Indiana University McKinney School of Law.

Judge Welch has a reputation for fairness, thoroughness and being a problem solver, was well as having the ability to quickly navigate complex business and negligence cases.