• J.D., New York University School of Law (1967)
• B.A., Brandeis University (1965)
• Civil mediation training, National Judicial College
• Advanced mediation training, Straus Institute
• Assistant Faculty, Civil Mediation Course, National Judicial College

Since retiring from the bench, Judge Penkower has successfully mediated more than 500 matters. He has earned a reputation as go-to mediator in complicated legal, factual and highly contentious disputes. Some of his high-profile cases have included the apportionment of a seven-figure settlement among 34 victims of sexual abuse against the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, and a salmonella outbreak in Western Pennsylvania involving more than 100 claimants against a multi-state convenience store chain.

In addition to serving on the Panel of Neutral Arbitrators for the Kaiser Permanente Arbitration System, Judge Penkower has frequently been selected as a neutral arbitrator in complex and high-value commercial matters. He also periodically serves as an appointed Special Master in discovery matters and class action matters in both federal and state court proceedings. For the past 18 months he has been engaged as a Special Discovery Master in a combined federal/state litigation which has generated over 30 Reports and Recommendations to the courts.