Steve Jaffe started his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney. In that capacity, the keen interpersonal skills he brings to mediation helped him quickly become a mentor to and supervisor of others. On the civil side, Steve first practiced insurance defense and later focused his energies on a plaintiff practice. After a decade or so in Miami-Dade and another decade in Broward, Steve became very well known for his work in consumer class actions which he handled around the country. These days, when not mediating, Steve enjoys travel and finds joy in a very special charitable endeavor. Not a big fan of being sedentary, Steve prefers active travel, with skiing, and rafting high on his preferred list. Steve also enjoys cycling trips. And, when asked about a favorite place to visit, the answer came without hesitation – Italy.

Mediator Robert A. "Bob" Cole recently received the 2019 ABOTA Foundation Founders Award at the American Board of Trial Advocates National Board Meeting in California. The award is for an individual who has shown "exceptional vision and commitment to furthering the goals of the ABOTA Foundation."

Brenda J. Newman, Esq., started the year by joining Upchurch Watson White & Max's panel of neutrals and has begun filling her 2019 calendar with mediations. She has conducted mediations involving various practice areas for a decade now but has dedicated herself to dispute resolution for the last year.