Join us 4/2 for a Free Risk Assessment CLE/CME

Join me and my old friend and new UWWM colleague, Frank Bedell, for a free CLE Webinar at noon ET on Apri 2, 2024. We will explore a foundational understanding of risk assessments. The risk assessment is not about numerical accuracy. It is about reducing a complex claim environment to an easily understandable frame of reference so the client has a clear understanding of where they sit and the relative risk environment (understanding the litigation process and options for resolution). This includes finding agreement on the core claims, defenses, and issues, enough to make an informed valuation of the case. In the end, the objective of the risk assessment is alignment between client and counsel so a path forward can be responsibly outlined – and reevaluated as developments occur. We intend to offer some ideas in the problem-solving role of mediation and to encourage some innovation in the daily approach of settling lawsuits. This complimentary CLE is approved by the Florida Bar for 1.0 hour of general CLE credit. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register here-- https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2621743033060336982

Call for 30th DRC Conference Proposals

The Florida Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) 30th Annual Conference will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando on August 11-13, 2022. DRC is asking for submissions for workshop proposals and to become part of the conference faculty. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals play a major part in enhancing access to justice by offering parties an opportunity to minimize the time and money they spend interacting with the court system and by modernizing the facilitation process by using technology. Mediators also promote public trust and confidence in the court system by maintaining education on high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior when assisting parties in settling their disputes. This conference, now in its third decade, provides an annual forum for enhancing your skills and knowledge regarding ADR, especially as our world continues to demonstrate a need for professionals who can promote civil discourse when presenting options to resolve disputes. Consider training your fellow mediators by sharing the latest in your experience. I have presented here in the past and encourage you to do the same. If your workshop submission is selected, you will be asked to present twice during the conference. The deadline for submission is February 25th and workshop selections will be confirmed in early April 2022. You will receive a full conference registration waiver, and if applicable, a second presenter will receive $50 off registration fees. You will receive a confirmation email after you submit the form. If you do not receive a confirmation email, the form was not successfully submitted. The DRC recommends gathering all information required prior to beginning to filling out the form located at here-- https://bit.ly/3ufyqob

DRC Call for CME Presentations

The Florida Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) is calling for proposals for this summer's annual mediator conference. The conference will be held virtually on August 11 - 13, 2021. If your workshop submission is selected, you may be asked to present twice during the conference. You and your second presenter, if applicable, will receive a conference registration waiver. By submitting a workshop proposal, you agree to allow your presentation to be recorded and agree to submit to the DRC prior to the conference any materials you intend to distribute in conjunction with the conference. The recording and materials will become public records. If you believe copyright or trademark interests exist, you must notify DRC upon submission of your proposal. If no copyright or trademark interests exists when you submit your proposal, all such rights are otherwise waived upon submission of the proposal. Presenters should be familiar with virtual conference software (such as Swoogo, Pathable or Zoom) and have experience presenting their session during a virtual conference. See more info here-- https://bit.ly/2ZX0IUk

Remote CME & Training To Continue

This week, the Supreme Court of Florida amended an administrative order (AO) regarding mediator certification and renewal. This continues the judicial system's periodic update for measures to address the effects on court operations of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Please note this is an amendment to AOSC20-24 issued in the spring. Some provisions of the order expire on December 31, 2020, and some provisions have been extended until December 31, 2021. The Dispute Resolution Center states in a message to mediators that the AO should be read carefully as all dates listed are correct. Provisions that have been extended through December 31, 2021 include:

1. Training programs are allowed to be conducted online 

2. Certified mediators may complete their CME requirements in any format including non-live programs

3. Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators suspended as to required points for mentorship (except for county mediator certification, some mentorship activities may still be needed for applicants to reach the required points for certification)  

4. Electronic signatures of mentors in the mediator certification application may be provided; and

5. Deadline extensions granted for approved mediation trainers through December 31, 2021.

See more here-- https://bit.ly/2LR95gi

ADR Section Mentoring Academy

Take your mediation practice to the next level with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Section of The Florida Bar's inaugural Mentoring Academy later this month. Some of the state’s most experienced mediators, including some with whom I serve on the ADR Section Executive Council, will conduct this advanced-level Continuing Mediator Education (CME) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) workshop. You will be coached on mediation strategies and receive instructive feedback on techniques. Also, increase your statewide network with a reception following the Friday evening panel discussion. Saturday’s sessions include lunch. This first-ever Mentoring Academy will be held October 25 – 26 at the University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in downtown Tampa. The Florida Bar course is approved for 10 CLE/CME, 1 Ethics CLE/CME and 9 Professionalism CLE credits. The $425 tuition includes an annual membership in The Florida Bar ADR Section and those that are already section members can register for only $390. The Florida Bar ADR Section developed the Mentoring Academy in part because mediators have ethical obligations to advance the mediation profession. We are providing an opportunity for succeeding generations of mediators to have the benefit of experienced instruction from more seasoned mediators. Meaningful interaction between the mediator participants and workshop instructors is a key element of the academy. Don't miss out! Learn more here-- FlaBarADR.com/mentoring-academy

Join us 10/20 in Gainesville for CME/CLE!

My colleagues at Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group and I will be presenting a multi-faceted eight-hour CME/CLE on the topics below in conjunction with the University of Florida Levin College of Law Institute for Dispute Resolution on October 20, 2017. Together, we will share our collective experience in the trenches of mediation. Presentations include: “Standards of Good Faith Conduct in Mediation – Mediators and Lawyers,” Larry Watson, Al Tetrault and Carl Schwait “What’s Going on in the Other Room,” Richard Lord and Jeff Fleming “Language of Mediation,” Howard Marsee and Lawrence Kolin “Negotiation Skills,” Judith Lane, Kim Sands and Alvin Capp “Designing the Mediation Process,” Rod Max, Dominic Brandy and Shelley Leinicke “Cross Cultural Mediation,” Ricardo Cata, Art Garcia and Richard Lord “Diffusing Volatile Emotions,” Michelle Jernigan and Brandon Peters “The Florida Mediation Movement – a Perspective,” John Upchurch, Larry Watson, Terry White and Rod Max Registration has not yet opened, but save the date please check back for more details soon and be sure not to miss this unique program! See our reminder link here-- http://www.uww-adr.com/Annual-8-Hour-CME-CLE--Live--7-8.html

Join me for PMI in Orlando 8/21!

On August 21, 2016, I will be joining my colleagues on an ethics panel at the Professional Mediation Institute at the Orlando Marriott World Center. Our panel will address ethics, professionalism and practices unique to mediation. Common and uncommon problems that arise complicating the settlement process will be discussed as well. Other speakers will address confidentiality, diversity, domestic violence and winning strategies to employ in negotiating a settlement. Top mediators from Florida and around the nation are expected to attend. This event takes place during the WCI360 worker's compensation conference, but is not about that substantive area of law or those types of litigated cases. PMI registration includes access to 16 hours of CME/CLE, so you can fulfill a two-year credit cycle requirement in just one meeting. I have been attending this conference for many years and was last a speaker in 2013 on the subject of commercial mediation. This conference is the same month as the Florida Dispute Resolution Center's annual DRC meeting, but the continuing mediator education is more geared for Circuit-Civil Certified Mediators and continuing legal education practictioners who use mediation to resolve lawsuits. The program has been endorsed by The Florida Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Section's Executive Council, on which I sit. The theme this year is "Getting the Most out of Mediation: Tips and Tools for Everyone Who Attends Mediation." See more here-- www.pmi360.com/2016-mediation-institute and registration details-- www.pmi360.com/register

Join us in JAX for CME 6/2!

This Thursday, June 2, 2016, at the Florida Coastal School of Law, 8787 Baypine Road in Jacksonville, I will take part in a legal educational seminar geared for mediators. The course is eligible for up to 8.0 Continuing Mediation Education (CME) hours, including 4.0 Ethics, 2.0 Domestic Violence, 1.0 Diversity and 1.0 General credit. Mediators are required to self-report hours applicable to their areas of certification at the time of their renewal. (For more information on the CME requirement, visit www.flcourts.org.) Additionally, organizers have applied for accreditation for 8.0 General Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, including 4.0 Ethics Credits. (Seminar credit must be reported to The Florida Bar to satisfy CLE requirements. For more information, contact The Florida Bar at 800-324-8060, ext. 5842, or visit www.floridabar.org.) At 1:00 p.m., colleagues Michelle Jernigan, and Lawrence Kolin of the Orlando office of Upchurch, Watson White & Max Mediation Group, will present “How Do You Deal with This?” The ethics presentation will help fellow mediators anticipate, understand and be prepared to cope with some of the really difficult problems mediators encounter in everyday conferences. This section will also be interactive, dealing with real-life ethical dilemmas and practical quandaries as part of the mediation process. To see the full eight-hour agenda and register, visit www.jaxbar.org/register-event/?events_id=312.

Join me for UWWM's "Other ADR" CLE June 18th

This month, along with my Upchurch, Watson, White & Max colleagues and a special guest, we'll explore major changes being proposed by The Supreme Court of Florida's Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy in our free webinar. This webinar at noon on Thursday, June 18, is set following The Florida Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and formal commenters to "Other ADR" proposals at oral argument this week the Florida Supreme Court. Incoming Chair of the ADR Section, Bob Hoyle, will share highlights of his presentation and the reception of rules by the bench at oral argument set in this matter. See more information on these rules here-- http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/decisions/proposed.shtml#altdispute and be sure to tune in here-- http://www.wfsu.org/gavel2gavel/live.php As CLE presenters, we will review the perceived potential outcome based on this oral argument, as well as explain the new rubric for use of these added settlement techniques. All three presenters-- Lawrence Kolin, Bob Hoyle and Michelle Jernigan-- are members of The Florida Bar ADR Section's Executive Council and will bring special insight to the debate over proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and Family Law Rules, and brand-new Florida Rules for Court-Appointed Alternative Dispute Resolution Neutrals Regarding Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes for which No Other Supreme Court Rules or Standards for Professional Conduct Exist. This CLE webinar is geared toward litigation practitioners who mediate frequently, as well as mediators who may be eligible for CME. After registering at-- https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8638477297530214914, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining our upcoming GoToWebinar program. Look forward to having you join us and if not, the program will be available for replay at-- http://www.uww-adr.com/downloadable-webinars, along with our other CLE programs.