Mediators to Speak at Local Government Law Conference

Dean Mills, former Dean of the Levin College of Law, University of Florida, and current Director of the UF Center for Governmental Responsibility; along with Sandra C. Upchurch, former Deputy City Attorney for Ormond Beach, Florida, will present “Utilization of Florida’s Governmental Conflict Resolution Act and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act” on Friday, May 8 from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM.

The mission of the City, County & Local Government Law Section of the Florida Bar is, "To generally serve as an organization and resource within The Florida Bar for lawyers representing local government interests and also practicing in this field on behalf of private interests."

Dean Mills served as Founding Director of the Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida College of Law from 1973 - 80 and from 1988 to present and was Dean from 1999-2003. He was elected to the Legislature in 1980, serving as Speaker of the House from 1987 - 88. He brings a broad-based knowledge of constitutional and governmental law to our mediation panel.

Ms. Upchurch has provided general counsel services to state and local governments including contract and claims review, preparation of legislation and consent decree monitoring, and has handled contract, zoning, annexation, land use, employment, and law enforcement disputes. She is keenly aware of the concerns facing governmental entities once litigation is threatened or initiated and brings this knowledge to the table as she assists parties in resolving their governmental disputes in the most cost-effective manner possible.