Join us at OCBA Bench Bar 2026 on May 1!

I am pleased to be asked back to the biennial Orange County Bar Association Bench Bar Conference May 1st in Orlando to discuss private judging and arbitration, including nonbinding arbitration which is widely misunderstood. This year's football-themed event is dubbed "The Ultimate Playbook: Winning Techniques From The Bench." This unique event will bring together 300+ legal professionals, esteemed judges, and influential members from Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, all coming together. We'll have enlightening discussions and hear valuable insights from legal experts across various domains, including Business Law, Criminal Law, Estate, Probate & Guardianship, Personal Injury, Circuit Civil, AI Ethics, and more. By being with experienced lawyers and judges, you will learn from the best and gain unparalleled knowledge from seasoned legal professionals who will share their insights on cutting-edge legal topics. Networking with the brightest minds in the legal industry, this meeting fosters valuable relationships that can shape your legal career. Training sessions will enhance your skills and keep you up-to-date with the latest developments in the legal field. We'll also preview tools from various legaltech vendors who will share how their products and services to enhance and streamline your legal practice. My session is entitled "Calling in the Special Teams: Arbitration & Private Judging." In the fast-paced game of litigation, knowing when to call in your ADR “special teams” can be the key to strategic success. This dynamic and engaging CLE will explore how arbitration and private judging are being used as powerful tools to resolve disputes more efficiently, creatively, and cost-effectively. Participants will gain insight into the tactical advantages of these alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including how and when to incorporate them into their legal strategy. Seasoned practitioners will break down best practices, common pitfalls, and recent trends in the use of arbitration clauses, the selection of private judges, and the enforcement of awards and judgments. Whether you're new to ADR or a veteran seeking to expand your toolkit, this session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate outside the traditional courtroom — and make the winning call when it counts. Eloisa Pino, our moderator is joined by Alice Blackwell, Lawrence Kolin and The Honorable Heather Pinder Rodriguez. See more here-- https://orangecountybar.org/resource/resmgr/documents/bench_bar/2026/ocba-bench_bar_schedule-8.5x.pdf