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Hon. R. David Proctor Joins FedArb Following Appointment as Mediator in Musk v. Altman
Former Chief Judge brings extensive experience managing multidistrict litigation, class actions and other complex disputes.
July 21, 2026 – FedArb today announced that Hon. R. David Proctor Ret. has joined its panel of neutrals, where he will serve as a mediator and special master in complex disputes nationwide.
Judge Proctor’s addition follows his appointment by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers as court-appointed mediator and conditionally appointed special master in Musk v. Altman, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. FedArb will administer the mediation.
“Judge Proctor has spent his career bringing structure, discipline and sound judgment to exceptionally complex matters,” said Kennen D. Hagen, President and CEO of FedArb. “His appointment in Musk v. Altman reflects the confidence courts and counsel place in his ability to manage consequential disputes involving sophisticated parties and difficult legal and procedural issues. We are honored to welcome him to FedArb and to administer this important engagement.”
Judge Proctor served for more than two decades on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, including as Chief Judge. Before joining the bench, he practiced as a federal litigator handling class actions and other substantial civil matters. During his judicial career, he presided over multidistrict litigation, nationwide class actions, antitrust and securities matters, products liability actions, insurance coverage litigation, and other complex commercial disputes.
He also served as a member of the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and the Judicial Conference’s Advisory Committee on Civil Rules. As chair of the committee’s MDL Rules Subcommittee, he led the development of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16.1, the first federal rule devoted specifically to multidistrict litigation. He also sat by designation on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit numerous times.
“The most consequential disputes require more than legal expertise. They require sound judgment, a disciplined process, and a practical understanding of what it takes to move complex matters toward resolution,” said Judge Proctor. “I look forward to bringing that approach to my work with FedArb and to enabling parties and counsel pursue efficient, durable and well-informed outcomes. I am honored to join such an outstanding team of professionals.”
Judge Proctor will serve in disputes requiring sophisticated case management and carefully designed resolution processes, including multidistrict litigation, class actions, and other high-stakes commercial matters. His work will focus on mediation and special master appointments.
About FedArb
FedArb is a global ADR firm providing comprehensive dispute resolution services to companies and law firms facing complex litigation. With a panel of more than 150 experienced professionals, including former law firm practice heads and more than 50 former Article III judges, FedArb helps litigators resolve disputes through arbitration, mediation, mock exercises and other ADR methods efficiently and cost-effectively. For nearly two decades, FedArb has been the trusted choice for resolving consequential disputes, offering responsive client service and a commitment to putting the client first.