A Brief Discussion of the History and Future of Mediation in the US

Businessman and businesswoman signing contracts at group multiracial meeting, two smiling male and female new partners signing papers after a mediation

By: Andrew Y. Winston Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator In recent years, mediation has become one of the most frequently utilized process of conflict resolution. However, while its use has not always been so prevalent, it has deep historical roots. Historians believe the origins of mediation date to ancient Mesopotamia (4,500-1900 B.C.E.) in…

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So Close, Yet So Far

Close up (macro) shot showing fingers of a male hand, holding a pen, poised to sign on the dotted line of a legal document or contract.

By: Philip G. Thompson Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator You have been in mediation for several hours representing one of the parties in a hotly contested case. Because we are still dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic (Thanks Delta and Omicron!), chances are this mediation is taking place remotely…

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Tips for a Successful Mediation

Yellow Post It Note on bulletin board with message - Helpful Tips

By: Andrew Y. Winston Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator When many of us attended law school, it was with the intention of becoming litigators and trial lawyers. Being in the courtroom, questioning witnesses, arguing to the fact-finder(s), objecting…all these things have long been romanticized in literature and popular culture.  However, what all the…

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Is Appearance at Mediation Mandatory?

People sitting in office shaking hands at the start of a mediation

By: Eric H. Luckman Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator In a recent 3rd DCA opinion (Alvarez v. Citizens, July 21, 2021), the issue before the Court was whether the trial judge exceeded her authority in dismissing a homeowners’ insurance case due to a plaintiff’s failure to appear at a mediation. The lawsuit was…

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Mediation of Insurance Disputes in Fort Lauderdale

Document of Insurance Policy, Life; Health, car, travel, for background

Mediation is a non-binding process in which a neutral third party helps you and your insurance company to reach a mutual agreement over an insurance dispute. Florida law allows parties to an insurance dispute to participate in mediation for several types of insurance claims. Mediation is implemented by mediators who possess an active certification as…

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