Central Florida Mediation Group

Why I Choose to Mediate

Early in my career as a litigator, I was trained by my partner to seek early resolution of disputes in all litigation matters, an approach that caused me to carefully evaluate solutions early in each case. That method typically proved more successful than not, and was of greater overall benefit to most clients. As a process, mediation depends on the art of negotiation. It immediately opens the door of communication, both directly and indirectly, enhancing the potential to resolve the most significant or difficult issues. In fact, I subscribe to the real belief that all world, national and local issues are capable of progress through mediation. It adds value to dispute resolution rarely found in most of the courthouses I have practiced in for 33 years. I submit that mediation should be considered a mandatory step in all civil cases to help eliminate the congestion found in the court system. Performed with preparation, energy and diligence, mediation provides the best option for resolution of most disputes if the participants, including the mediator, are willing to work hard and allow the process of communication and negotiation to take its natural course.

Biography

I come to my service in the mediation process through a direct route of having practiced commercial litigation since 1977. I enjoy my work as both a litigator participant and a mediator. A myriad of challenging and often multi-faceted issues allow me to draw on my broad practice base in commercial litigation and experience in transactional issues to assist in the mediation process. I am life-long Floridian who believes that dispute resolution will become much more valuable as time passes and people are increasingly forced to address the complex society in which we live. I plan to remain a part of adding value to the system by expanding the learning experience in mediation, both in and out of the judicial system. It is too important not to have it become an initial choice for all parties seeking to litigate a claim or defense before or after involvement with our court system.

Membership and Affiliations

• Lakeland Bar Association (President 1985-1986); Member, Board of Governors (1986-2008)
• Board of Directors, Leadership Lakeland program (2003-2006)
• Recipient, Jerry Devance Award, Lakeland Bar Association (2005)
• Board Member, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE)
• Board Member, Historic Lakeland, Inc.
• Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (Board Member 1983-2002; President 1990-2000)
• Counsel for Keystone Challenge Fund
• Past Master of Wilson American Inn of Court 

Rate

2 Party Mediation: $175.00 per party
3 Party Mediation: $145.00 per party
4 or more Party Mediation: $125.00 per party