As part of The Jacksonville Bar Association's ADR Practitioners Committee, Robert A. "Bob" Cole -- a shareholder and mediator with Upchurch Watson White & Max -- is an organizer of the 11th Annual Northeast Florida CME Seminar for Mediators, for which UWWM Principal Terrence M. "Terry" White will speak. The seminar, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Florida Coastal School of Law (Room 585) is eligible for up to 8.0 hours of CME (Continuing Mediator Education), including 5.0 Ethics, 2.0 Domestic Violence, 1.0 Diversity and 1.0 General credit. Terry will speak on the topic "Special Issues in Commercial and Business Mediations … Is There a Role for Humor in the Process?" from 11:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Arthur Garcia Jr. attended on behalf of Upchurch Watson White and Max and as a former association president, and the event was among a few occasions in May for which he has represented UWWM.

Mediator Albert R. "Al" Tetrault told us recently that he has been appointed by Florida Bar President Michael J. Higer to serve on the Aviation Law Committee, beginning July 1, 2017. "I look forward to serving and providing counsel regarding proposed changes impacting aviation law in Florida," Al said. His term lasts for one year, but he can be re-appointed each year until May 2025. 

Don Weidner, a UWWM mediator and dean emeritus of Florida State University College of Law, is keeping his academic skills in shape, not only in the classroom but also in publishing explanatory articles and presenting continuing legal education programs.

A panel including Michelle Jernigan and Robert Cole discussed Florida ethics rules, mediation rules of ethics and conduct as applied in the context of mediation, confidentiality and exceptions outlined in Florida Statute 44.405, mediators' responsibility for outcome fairness, conflicting standards for lawyers acting as mediators, a thorough intake process and the do’s and don’ts as a reflection on years of mediation experience.

Energetic mediator Carl Schwait knows whereof he speaks when he talks about "Mindfulness and the Practice of Law" for a UWWM Webinar in mid-May. In addition to his ADR work, he also teaches at UF's law school and fills several roles with The Florida Bar.

Mediator A. Michelle Jernigan helped to organize and, on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, introduced a CLE program presented by the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers at Upchurch Watson White & Max's Maitland office. Beth Kassab, enterprise editor for the Orlando Sentinel, moderated the panel discussion, "Running for Office, The Do's and Don'ts."

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/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.

Mediator/Arbitrator Lawrence Kolin of Upchurch Watson White & Max has continued to examine the evolving news accounts about arbitration and to speak on the current state of affairs. Join him on Thursday, March 30, for all the latest on arbitration. He will speak at the Orange County Bar Association in downtown Orlando from noon to 1 p.m., offering attendees 1.0 credit of general CLE (Continuing Legal Education) through The Florida Bar.