What do judges look for in the appointment of an umpire? Insurance disputes requiring appraisal make the selection of a neutral umpire a critical turning point. Assuming the appraisers reach an impasse, the umpire becomes the tie-breaking person.
In a recent federal case arising from a property damage claim, the court was asked to break such a deadlock. On one side, State Farm Lloyds nominated three veteran adjusters with decades of claims-handling experience. The policyholder proposed the Honorable William McLeod, a former judge with a multifaceted background.
The court selected former Judge McLeod. 1 I suggest that a close look at the qualifications and policy requirements reveals why the court’s decision was justified.
The first thing all parties should do when entering into an appraisal is to read the policy and determine if there are qualifications for appraisers and the umpire. State Farm’s policy includes a clear framework for selecting an appraisal umpire. It provides that an umpire must be:
[O]ne of the following and be licensed or certified as required by the applicable jurisdiction:
(1) an engineer or architect with experience and training in building construction, repair, estimating, or investigation of the type of property damage in dispute;
(2) an adjuster or public adjuster with experience and training in estimating the type of property damage in dispute; or
(3) a contractor with experience and training in the construction, repair, and estimating of the type of property damage in dispute.
William McLeod is not simply an attorney or former judge. His résumé reflects a rare combination of credentials that align closely with the policy’s requirements:
- Over 15 years as a general contractor specializing in roofing and interior restoration.
- Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator.
- More than 150 appointed umpire assignments in property insurance appraisals across Texas.
- Court-appointed Special Commissioner in real property valuation hearings.
- Certified member of the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA).
McLeod has not only reviewed damage claims; he has repaired them. His dual track record in legal analysis and construction execution places him squarely within the language of the policy as a contractor with experience and training in the construction, repair, and estimating of residential property damage.
One of the most important factors in selecting an umpire is ensuring impartiality. As a former judge in Harris County Civil Court, McLeod is well-versed in the principles of neutrality, due process, and fair evaluation of facts. His experience presiding over trials, managing contested matters, and issuing rulings under legal standards distinguishes him as someone uniquely qualified to act as a neutral third party.
In appraisal disputes, where tension can run high and technical disagreements are common, the ability to remain fair and measured is essential.
McLeod is certified and active in the niche field of insurance appraisal. His association with the IAUA signifies that he is trained in the methodologies, ethics, and procedures specific to property damage appraisals. I think certification by The Windstorm Network, the IAUA, or PLAN is an important credential for the selection of an umpire.
His résumé indicates that he understands the software and tools used by industry professionals, including Xactimate and other estimating platforms. This gives him the ability to communicate fluently with appraisers from both sides about their estimates.
The federal court’s appointment order was brief and decisive. It granted the motion and selected McLeod as the umpire. While State Farm raised concerns about ensuring qualifications under the policy, McLeod’s background seemed to make him a perfect fit as arguably the most comprehensive choice.
He satisfied the policy’s technical requirements. I think he meets any court’s standard of impartiality. He brought a level of credibility and experience across legal, construction, and appraisal disciplines that is uncommon in any single candidate.
William McLeod’s combination of judicial experience, contractor background, and recognized industry certification may well represent an ideal profile for future disputes where neutrality and cross-functional insight are required. In a world where policy language and real-world expertise must intersect, courts may continue favoring professionals who bring both legal judgment and field-tested knowledge to the appraisal process.
My suggestion for those wishing to become umpires is to study McLeod’s résumé. When I teach at IAUA or PLAN, I often ask those in the audience to look at themselves in the mirror and ask why somebody would select them. Developing a credentialed background exhibiting experience, knowledge, and demonstrated neutrality is essential and does not happen overnight.
For those interested in this topic, I suggest reading How Do Judges Select Umpires? Some Just Select a Person They Know and Respect, and How Do Judges Appoint Umpires in an Appraisal? A Case Example from Louisiana.
Thought For The Day
“When you see the umpire signal safe, you know he’s either right or going to be.”
—Earl Weaver
1 Millis v. State Farm Lloyds, No. 4:24-cv-03810 (S.D. Tex. Apr. 14, 2025).
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