Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Join me and a federal judge 7/10 for free noon CME/CLE!

My old colleague from the United States Attorney's Office in the early 1990s, current U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron, and I will give a lunchtime Zoom for the ADR Section of The Florida Bar July 10, 2026 at noon ET about conducting federal mediation in the Middle District of Florida, as well as nuances in the Northern District and Southern District. We aim to dispel the impression that mediation in federal cases is somehow different or more difficult. In fact, the similarities are actually greater than the differences. All three federal district courts in Florida: Routinely require mediation; Treat mediation as part of case management; Require attendance by decision-makers; Protect confidentiality; and Expect counsel to participate seriously. Where they differ is primarily in local rules and administration. Attendees of this alternative dispute resolution online presentation will leave with a better understanding of how mediation functions as a structural component of federal civil practice in Florida, including magistrate judge-directed settlement conferences. Our program walks through the authority for mediation under federal rules, how each district implements the process differently, and if "good faith" truly means anything in federal court. Please provide your name and email address to register for this free CLE event. Once you have registered, you will be on the list to receive an email containing the Zoom Link to attend this course. If you do not receive a Zoom link by July 10th at 10 am, please email-- flabaradr@gmail.com. Thank you! See more info and register here-- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJR7UPUqLb1vES3Kw9NhMQKeGD8NNbPOYIkcOVobRkdJ32Kw/viewform