JMW Settlements was founded in 1978 under the auspices of the Julia M. Walsh & Sons investment company in Washington D.C. The initials "JMW" are taken from her name.

By founding her own firm, Mrs. Walsh broke the "men's club" of investment firm management, going on to become the first female President of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and a regular guest on Louis Rukeyser's popular "Wall Street Week" television show on PBS.

Originally retained to help resolve tort claims for the federal government, railroads, and local plaintiffs counsel, the company developed a reputation for technical excellence that earned it a broadly diversified national practice.

Incorporated in 1982, JMW Settlements outgrew its surroundings and moved to separate quarters in 1985. The firm was acquired by President Henry L. Strong in 1987 and became a proud member of the Integrated Financial Services family of companies in July 2013.