About

Our Mission

What Sets Us Apart

Meet the Owners

Testimonials

— EXCELLENCE, FAIRNESS, & EFFICIENCY

Our Mission

JWA's mission is to provide fair, efficient, and cost-effective alternative dispute resolution without excessive costs or administrative complexity.

Since 2003, JWA has served attorneys and their clients across Texas, with particular focus on nonsubscriber arbitration. JWA works with both claimants and respondents and is committed to neutrality, professionalism, and trusted results.

What truly distinguishes JWA is more than who hears the case, but also how the process is managed. We intentionally limit administrative layers, maintain predictable rules and fee structures, and provide direct, responsive support throughout each case. This approach allows counsel to focus on advocacy while we ensure the process runs smoothly.

— THE JWA DIFFERENCE

What Sets Us Apart

📍 Texas Nonsubscriber Focused

Proudly Texas-based, providing arbitration services, focused on nonsubscriber employers.

⚖️ Judge-Led Panel

All arbitrators are former, senior, or retired Texas judges, bringing disciplined judgment and experience to every case.

💵 Predictable Fees

One hourly rate applies to all arbitrators regardless of the number of parties or the amount in controversy.

📋 Texas Rules

Incorporates the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Rules of Evidence, providing familiar rules for attorneys.

👤 Dedicated Case Administrators

Each case has an assigned case administrator, providing attentive and knowledgeable support.

🔒 Full Confidentiality

All cases and their proceedings are completely confidential, protecting all parties involved.

Meet the Owners

Misty O’Fiel, President

Patrick O’Fiel, Vice President

In Memoriam

Charlotte Cary Cole Huff

1970 – 2025

Charlotte was the heart of our team at JWA. She joined as a case administrator and quickly become so much more, brining a rare blend of compassion, intelligence, wit, and steady grace to everything she did. She led with care, always putting people first and making every interaction better than she found it.

A proud English major and lifelong learner, Charlotte had a deep love for language, writing, and thoughtful expression. Her Southern charm and natural gift for making others feel seen, comfortable, and at ease left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Above all, Charlotte was a devoted mother to her children, Nicole and Mason, who were the center of her world. She carried a deep love for her family, faithfully supporting and caring for them with quiet strength and unwavering dedication.

Charlotte’s presence anchored our work and shaped our culture. Her loyalty, laughter, and calm spirit carried us through both the busiest days and challenging moments. She was more than a colleague—she was a trusted friend and a bright light within JWA. Her impact remains woven into who we are. We honor her memory with gratitude and commit to carrying forward the compassion and integrity she brought to this work every day.

In honor of Charlotte’s life and legacy, Rise & River was created following the July 4 flood—a nonprofit devoted to walking alongside those navigating grief, trauma, and recovery with presence, dignity, and hope.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

— Proverbs 31:25

Hon. Frank Andrews, Founder

1947 – 2013

The Honorable Frank Andrews founded JWA in 2003 with a vision to provide high-quality, efficient arbitration services.

With decades of experience as a Senior District Judge, primarily in Dallas, Texas, Judge Andrews was known for his fairness, integrity, and deep commitment to justice. He served as the presiding judge of the 116th District Court, earning recognition as the highest-ranked judge by the American Board of Trial Advocates.

In addition to his distinguished judicial career, Judge Andrews was widely respected for his work as a neutral fiduciary in various high-profile cases. His exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to the legal profession left a lasting legacy.

Judge Andrews passed away in 2013, but his founding principles continue to guide JWA, ensuring that every arbitration reflects his unwavering commitment to quality, fairness, and efficiency.

Testimonials

  • Michael T. O’Connor

    Attorney at Law

    “I frequently litigate work injury cases against non-subscribers. Many of those cases require arbitration. JWA has an excellent panel of experienced arbitrators. Moreover, the staff at JWA are professional and responsive.”

  • Hon. Alice Oliver-Parrott

    Arbitrator

    “The JWA staff is skilled, courteous, and cost-conscious. I have had the privilege of serving as an arbitrator for many national and international groups, but none are better at accommodating the needs of the clients, the counsel, and the arbitrator.”

  • James D. Trujillo

    Attorney at Law

    “The staff at JWA are always very prompt, professional and courteous in their responses. With JWA, the process is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. I've had great success through JWA!”

  • Hon. Stephen B. Ables

    Arbitrator

    “Although my career has been in the courtroom, I am a big believer in mediation and arbitration. The staff and ownership of JWA are wonderful. They understand the needs of the litigants, the Attorneys and the arbiters. I challenge anyone to find a more professional arbitration organization.”

  • Jade Heep

    Attorney at Law

    “As an attorney who practices mainly work injury law, most of my cases have been litigated through the arbitration process, many of which were handled through JWA. The administration at JWA is second to none. They are always extremely professional, prompt, and responsive. The arbitrators in the JWA are extremely knowledgeable, fair, and encourage both sides to work together to effectively proceed through litigation. Fantastic job, JWA!”

  • Hon. Elizabeth Ray

    Arbitrator

    “I enjoy working as an arbitrator for JWA. They manage the cases efficiently and are a cost effective alternative for those needing arbitration services.”

  • Jeff Harvey

    Attorney at Law

    “My practice involves many arbitration proceedings with many arbitration associations. My experience with JWA for many years has always been one of the most positive. JWA is very easy to work with administratively and JWA does not put concerns over arbitration fees above the content and status of the case. If you need some time to try to resolve the matter before incurring significant fees, you simply have to ask. That is unusual for arbitration associations in my experience. Whether arbitration is better or worse than a jury trial is a debate that can go on forever, but when in arbitration JWA is a very good organization to work with in my opinion.”

  • Jerry Fazio

    Attorney at Law

    “I have had the pleasure of representing clients in hundreds of arbitrations with JWA. I believe JWA offers a fair, efficient and cost effective venue to resolve work place injury claims for non subscribers and their employees. The case managers are very pleasant, accessible and keep the arbitration on track. The panel of arbitrators is what I believe makes JWA a far superior option in choosing an arbitration service. JWA offers the best alternative in resolving my client’s cases. I recommend my clients to include them in their arbitration agreements.”

  • Hon. David Kelton

    Arbitrator

    “I have had the privilege of being on JWA’s panel of judges since its inception. I find the case managers to be knowledgeable, competent and courteous. The administration and managers are detailed oriented and communicate well. In my opinion, the fees charged by the individual arbitrators and the administration fees charged by JWA are extremely competitive. The bottom line: I believe that Judicial Workplace Arbitrations provides dependable, proficient and affordable quality service.”