Jocelyn “Jocie” Wurzburg is widely regarded as Memphis’ first professional mediator, bringing more than four decades of experience to helping people resolve conflict with clarity and dignity. After opening her solo practice in the early 1980s, she became a pioneer in facilitative mediation, guiding thousands of families, workplaces, and organizations toward durable, informed agreements. She holds Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 credentials in both civil and family mediation and has completed more than 600 hours of advanced training.
Her mediation work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to civil rights, equity, and community leadership. Jocie drafted Tennessee’s first anti‑discrimination law in 1972 and went on to serve in key state and national roles, including appointments to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, and the U.S. Commission for the Observance of International Women’s Year. Her community-building efforts extend beyond law and mediation: she is also a co‑founder of the Jazz Society of Memphis, reflecting her belief that culture, dialogue, and shared experiences strengthen civic life.
Jocie’s impact has been recognized with major honors such as the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, the Women of Achievement Award for Courage, and the Shelby County Diversity Award. The Tennessee Human Rights Commission established the Jocelyn Dan Wurzburg Civil Rights Award in her honor. Through her book, Jocie — Southern Jewish American Princess, Civil Rights Activist, and her ongoing mediation practice, she continues to champion the belief that people can resolve conflict with compassion, responsibility, and shared purpose.