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Mediations & Arbitrations
Offering Mediation & Arbitration services throughout Florida.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as a client relationship has been established.
Florida’s Discovery Revolution: How Amended Rule 1.280 Is Reshaping Civil Litigation
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationOn May 23, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court rewrote the rules of engagement for civil discovery in state court. In re: Amendments to Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, 386 So. 3d 497 (Fla. 2024). The Court adopted sweeping amendments to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.280, effective January 1, 2025, with further refinements issued on […]
Confused about when to Mediate a First-Party Property Case in Florida? A Strategic Timing Framework
Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Property Damage, Trial & LitigationFlorida’s first-party property litigation landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. Pre-suit requirements are stricter, fee shifting has almost disappeared and summary judgment is elusive at best. These changes have altered one central question: When is the right time to mediate? Unfortunately, there is no universal answer. Timing now depends on leverage, risk […]
Mediation Pitfalls : Avoid them when you can or Fix them when you can’t
Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationMediation in Florida is a decision event, not just a docket event. Florida’s court ordered mediation framework is designed to encourage a real settlement conversation while parties can still control the outcome. When lawyers treat mediation as a procedural checkpoint or just something that must be done in the early stages of a case, the […]
“What is the value of my claim?” Why Settlement Value Can Be Difficult to Assess in Florida Litigation and How to Resolve the Challenge
Arbitration, Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationAs long as I can remember, the central question in each of the cases I handled on the civil side was “What is the value of this case? What would a jury award if it goes to trial?” As a mediator, I encounter this question every day, and since none of us can truly foresee […]
How a Mediation Checklist Can Help You Stress Less and Reach A Better Settlement Faster
Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationAtul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto was a revolutionary evaluation of how basic checklists and procedures can guarantee error free success time and time again.[1] Many of us may chafe at having to following a basic list of things to do, but his book makes a simple point: no matter how expert we are, a well-designed […]
The Art and Science of Persuasion: How Trial Lawyers Win the Jury’s Mind and Heart – Part 2
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationLast month I discussed observations about a seminar during a recent local Bench and Bar conference hosted by the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Among the many excellent seminars, one stood out to me in particular: a panel of jurors who had served on various civil trials in Hillsborough County. They had returned for the conference […]
The Art and Science of Persuasion: How Trial Lawyers Win the Jury’s Mind and Heart – Part 1
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationI recently had the good fortune to attend the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Annual Bench and Bar Conference in early October. Among the many excellent seminars, one stood out to me in particular: a panel of jurors who had served on various civil trials in Hillsborough County. They had returned for the conference to discuss […]
Preparing for the legal, financial, and emotional realities of Divorce in Florida
Family Law, Mediation & Dispute Resolution NewsDivorce is rarely a simple event, instead it is frequently a process with multiple twists and turns. In Florida, where equitable distribution and time-sharing statutes govern many outcomes, preparation is one of the best predictors of a fair, calm and efficient resolution. Whether you anticipate mediation, collaborative law, or believe litigation is necessary, taking practical […]
Two Years Later: How HB 837’s Interpleader is reshaping Florida’s Litigation Landscape
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationFlorida’s tort reform, enacted through House Bill 837 in 2023, introduced significant changes to the state’s civil litigation landscape. One notable provision affects how insurers handle liability claims that may exceed policy limits. This blog post explores the use of interpleader in such scenarios and how it is evolving in the current litigation landscape. What […]
Appraisal in Florida Property Damage Cases: A Valuable Tool or Lengthy Detour?
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Property Damage, Trial & LitigationNow that the 2025 hurricane season is upon us, property insurance is on everyone’s mind. More than ever, it is important to understand what may or may not be covered or available in a real estate property insurance policy. In Florida real estate disputes involving property damage—especially those arising from hurricane claims, water intrusion, roof […]
The Success of Mediation in Florida Litigation
Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationFlorida has long been recognized as a leader in alternative dispute resolution, and mediation stands at the center of that success story. In a legal environment often defined by crowded court dockets, rising litigation costs, and the emotional toll of conflict, mediation offers a path forward that emphasizes resolution, efficiency, and control. Why Mediation Works […]
Thriving Under Conflict Stress: Exercise, Meditation, Sleep and Connection as Your Allies
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Stress ManagementThriving Under Litigation Stress: Exercise, Meditation, Sleep and Connection as Your Allies May is Mental Health Awareness month, so let’s talk about stress and its effects! Litigators and trial lawyers are some of my favorite people because of the intense work ethic and bravery they have. Not only do they have to go to college, […]
Navigating High Conflict: Tools and Insights for Tough Interactions
Conflict, Family Law, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Stress Management, Trial & LitigationHigh-conflict situations—whether in relationships, the workplace, or society at large—can feel like emotional minefields. This experience is increasingly common: maybe you’re navigating a difficult divorce, co-parenting with an ex, managing workplace disputes, trying to stay connected to estranged family, or stuck in a romantic relationship that feels more explosive than supportive. The good news? You’re […]
The Value of Mediation in Family Law Cases in Florida
Family Law, Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution NewsWhen families face legal disputes, emotions run high, and tensions can escalate quickly. Whether dealing with divorce, child custody, or support issues, finding a resolution that benefits all parties involved is crucial. Mediation is an effective and often underutilized tool in Florida family law cases, offering a path to resolution that is less adversarial, more […]
Non-Binding Arbitration in Florida: An Increasingly Popular Option for Resolving Disputes
Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationWhen disputes arise, finding a timely and cost-effective resolution is often a top priority for all parties involved. One alternative to traditional litigation is arbitration, and in Florida, non-binding arbitration offers a unique option. While binding arbitration has the power to make decisions that the parties must adhere to, non-binding arbitration in Florida allows for […]
5 Tips for Successful Mediations
Mediation, Mediation & Dispute Resolution NewsMediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts, but its success depends on how it’s approached. Here are a few strategies to help ensure a smooth and productive mediation process: Prepare Ahead of Time: Before entering mediation, take time to reflect on your goals and understand the issues at hand. Gather any relevant information and […]
Have you👻 ghosted 👻your New Year’s Resolutions? Here’s how to let them go or get them back on track!
Stress ManagementIt’s almost the end of February 2025 and do you know where your New Year’s Resolutions are? If you have lost sight of them or ghosted them on purpose, don’t worry- you’re not alone. Only about a small percentage of resolutions are kept, according to recent studies. The good news? You don’t need a new […]
Getting ready for the High Beam: Proportionality and the new Balancing act in Florida Discovery
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationOn January 1, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court’s broad civil procedure rule changes went into effect and along with that, the new application of “proportionality” in civil discovery. While those who frequently practice in federal court may be familiar with proportionality, it is a newer concept for litigators who have practiced primarily in Florida state […]
Changes to Florida’s Rules of Civil Procedure: How ADR can help you transition smoothly
Mediation & Dispute Resolution News, Trial & LitigationFlorida’s legal landscape is always evolving, and 2025 has ushered in some important changes to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure that will impact litigators, clients, and the courts alike. These changes reflect the ongoing efforts to streamline the civil justice process, ensure fairness, and promote efficiency. While some of the rules will apply only […]