Florida Mediation Blog

Before becoming a full-time mediator, I spent more than 27 years as a lawyer representing clients in civil claims in Florida. My chair shifted between both Plaintiff and Defense work, while at my own small law firm and then at a large firm. No matter what chair I sat in at the time, picking a mediator was one of the most consequential decisions in a case. Why is this? Because only 1.2% of all civil cases in Florida are actually resolved at trial. A good mediator can help you

I am pleased to announce that I have just launched my own podcast: The Meaningful Mediation Podcast. The goal of The Meaningful Mediation Podcast is to provide the best mediation tips and strategies for negotiation from leading lawyers and negotiators.

I believe mediation can help parties efficiently resolve their disputes with certainty, reducing the risk of an adverse outcome, while saving time, money, and the stress of continuing a legal case.

How many times have you started making progress during negotiations at a mediation, only for it to unwind and have to start all over? You were on the cusp of an agreement, and then you find yourself in a series of endless rabbit holes chasing past grievances, unmet expectations, and rising emotions. So what happened?

If you're a Florida lawyer involved in dispute resolution, you've likely faced the challenge of helping a client get what they truly need, rather than what they emotionally want. Negotiation is not just about who’s right; it’s about creating value and finding a rational path to settlement.