In 1988, the state of Florida took the bold step of statutorily authorizing its trial court judges to procedurally require parties in litigation to participate in mediated settlement negotiations as a condition prerequisite to completing the trial process. The founders of Upchurch Watson White & Max, already heavily involved in the Florida trial court arena as judges and practitioners, embraced the new “court annexed mediation” initiative and rapidly became statewide leaders in the emerging alternative dispute resolution movement. Among the first mediators certified by the Florida Supreme Court that year, they became deeply involved in Court Committees developing procedural rules, ethical standards, and training guidelines. As their own level of experience grew with rapidly increasing caseloads, the firm’s principals also developed and administered private training programs which both increased the base of Florida mediators and helped spread the practice throughout the United States. Over 8000 mediators have now been certified in Florida where mediation has become a cornerstone in the state judicial system and Upchurch Watson White & Max is still recognized as a leader in the movement.

Indeed, Upchurch Watson White & Max mediators today enjoy a robust practice not only in Florida, but throughout the southeastern United States and nationwide. In addition to mediation, firm members provide a full range of dispute resolution services including system design, dispute review board functions, arbitration, special master, magistrate, and private judging. We welcome the opportunity to serve you and your clients in any capacity required to reach a reasonable reconciliation to resolve dispute.