Schedule Your Mediation
Linkedin-in Facebook-f

Author: UWWM Mediation Staff

Mediator Ricardo Cata Published in International Law Quarterly

Mediator Ricardo J. Cata’s article “International Commercial Mediation: A Supplement to International Arbitration” has been published in the fall 2015 issue of the International Law Quarterly, produced by the International Law Section of The Florida Bar.

Mr. Cata is developing this innovative practice area, both on his own and Upchurch Watson White & Max’s behalf. He sees the advantages to parties who add mediation to the process when engaged in arbitrated cross-border disputes as four-fold and offers advice about this relatively new practice.

Cumberland Law Review Presents Mediator Rodney Max at Nov. 20 Symposium

The Cumberland Law Review will present “The Alabama Trial Attorney: Litigation Lessons from Birmingham’s Finest,” featuring mediator Rodney A. Max as one of five speakers, at Cumberland School of Law on the Samford University campus. Organizers say the Nov. 20 event promotes the law school’s commitment to continuing legal scholarship by providing a forum for outstanding trial lawyers — and, in Mr. Max’s case, a former trial attorney and 21-year mediator who is now well-known nationally — to share their expertise with other legal professionals.

Mr. Max, a principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, will deliver his talk, titled “Mediation: Its Place in the Litigation Zoo” at 9:10 a.m., just after opening remarks from Henry Strickland, dean of the Cumberland School of Law and Cody Walker, managing editor of the Cumberland Law Review.

Why Hire a Full Time Professional Mediator?

This Webinar, which was presented on March 26, 2015, explores some of the advantages of retaining a full-time professional neutral to mediate disputes. Lawyers will learn the role of subject matter expertise, mediation style and mediation philosophy in the selection of a mediator. Speakers Brandon S. Peters and A. Michelle Jernigan will acquaint lawyers with conflicts of interest that are uniquely encountered when part-time mediators serve as mediators one day and as legal practitioners the next. They will identify specific conflict of interest rules for mediators under the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators and specific conflict of interest rules for lawyers under the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Mediator Judi Lane to Speak for CLE Luncheon Nov. 12

The Volusia/Flagler Association for Women Lawyers will present mediator Judi Lane, speaking on the topic “Gender and the Mediation Process — Does Gender Even Matter?” at a Thurday, Nov. 12, luncheon. Upchurch Watson, White & Max is co-sponsor of the luncheon, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Halifax River Yacht Club, 331 S. Beach St. in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Shareholder Robert A. Cole Nominated for ABOTA Foundation Trustee

Shareholder/mediator Robert A. “Bob” Cole has accepted a nomination to become a 2016 ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates) Foundation Trustee. One of the current trustees will complete a three-year term at the end of the year, leaving a vacancy on the board. “I am truly honored to be nominated for this trustee position along with John (Kim) and Peter (W. Riley),” Bob wrote as part of his candidate statement. “I have been an active member of ABOTA for 25 years, serving as an MIT (Masters in Trial) chair for the Jacksonville chapter, FLABOTA president, FLABOTA board representative and national board representative for the Jacksonville chapter.”

Ricado Cata to Speak on International Mediation for Coral Gables Bar Association

The October CLE Luncheon of the Coral Gables Bar Association features Ricardo Cata, a mediator and arbitrator with Upchurch Watson White & Max. Ricardo’s talk is titled “The Mediation Option in International Commercial Arbitration” and is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, at Seasons 52, Coral Way 321 in Coral Gables. He will discuss the proposal that mediation should be considered a viable option or supplemental process, if not the preferred procedural environment, to resolve international business disputes. Commercial entities involved in cross-border disputes already prefer the predictability, “neutrality”, process, and enforceability of international arbitration over litigation, Ricardo says.

Who-Who-Who is at Our Plantation Office?

Attorneys and their clients at our Plantation office recently have been fascinated to see a seemingly interested observer right outside the window, Nibbles the great horned owl. Two of our mediators, Judy Bass and Bob Zwicky, look at the symbol of wisdom as a good omen encouraging successful resolutions. “The clients love him and are always taking his picture,” case manager Heidi Cohen says