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Author: Catherine Klasne

That’s 5 in a Row for our Big Brothers Big Sisters Sponsorship

For the fifth consecutive year, Upchurch Watson White & Max will sponsor the major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida: Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Only five lanes remain for teams who want to participate from 2 to 8 p.m. this Saturday (April 29, 2017). Bowl America Mandarin, 10333 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville, is the venue for this year’s event.

Mediator Jeff Fleming a Presenter at Orlando Circuit Court Boot Camp April 28, 2017

Mediator/arbitrator Jeffrey M. “Jeff” Fleming, a shareholder with Upchurch Watson White & Max, will share his insights with new or transitioning attorneys at the sixth annual Circuit Court Boot Camp in Orlando on Friday, April 28, 2017. His two sessions are “Mediation” from 1:30 to 2 p.m. and “Post-Trial Motions & Preserving the Record” from 5 to 5:20 p.m. The seminar, presented by Pincus Professional Education, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista.

UWWM Mediators Discuss Importance of Certification for Florida Bar News

The Florida Bar News recently quoted Upchurch Watson White & Max mediators, who are well represented among the leadership of the Bar’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, in a story explaining why the section has recommended that all who mediate disputes filed in the state’s family and circuit civil courts be certified by the Florida Supreme Court. “As professional mediators, we believe that if there are people out there mediating ­— serving our courts, serving the public, serving our judges, our judicial system — there needs to be some level of competence and understanding of the ethical rules and some control over those people,” said Bob Cole, a UWWM shareholder and the section’s chair-elect.

Two UWWM Mediators to Speak at Orange County Bar Association Seminar Feb. 16

Mediation topics will play a big part in a timely “Professionalism in Negotiation” seminar presented by the Professionalism & Business Law Committees of the Orange County Bar Association. Two mediators with Upchurch Watson White & Max, Howard R. Marsee and Lawrence Kolin, will speak for the program, subtitled “Transactions, Litigation and Mediation,” at the bar association’s downtown center Thursday, Feb. 16.

Mediator Bob Cole Casts Light on “the Dark Art of Mediation”

At The Florida Bar’s 2017 Winter Meeting, Robert A. “Bob” Cole of Upchurch Watson White & Max, along with fellow panel members David W. Henry and Mindy McLaughlin, presented a CLE seminar with a topic geared toward trial lawyers and a secondary goal of promoting relationships between the Bar’s sections.

How to Maximize the Use of Your Mediator

Three of our mediators whose practices are centered in South Florida will discuss “How to Maximize the Use of Your Mediator” at noon Wednesday, February 15, 2017, for a live Webinar, part of the Upchurch Watson White & Max CLE series.

Florida Bar ADR Section’s Newsletter Features Mediator Ricardo Cata

“For the mediator to be insensitive to the cultural or ethnic differences discussed here could result in missed opportunities,” Ricardo Cata writes. “If the mediator recognizes cultural differences and learns how to address them, a new set of ‘tools’ becomes available.”

How to Help Your Mediator Help You

You can help your mediator by carefully telling your client what to expect during the mediation process. Let your client know the format and procedures for mediation: opening statements where the parties’ attorneys will present their view of the evidence and issues, separate caucuses with the mediator, and the opportunities to find common ground for resolution through mutual agreement. Your client should be aware of the different roles and duties of the people who will be participating in the mediation.