Current Trends in Mediation
Register for our free CLE Webinar at noon ET Thursday, October 15, 2026
Mediation continues to evolve, and effective advocacy requires lawyers to think strategically about each stage of the process.
Join UWWM mediators Najla A. Bubtana, John D. Jopling, Alan C. Espy and Jeanne K. Spital for a practical discussion of current issues and approaches in mediation. Drawing on their extensive experience as litigators and neutrals, the panel will discuss pre-mediation preparation, effective opening statements, settlement strategy and case evaluation, considerations in multi-defendant cases, the appropriate use of technology and artificial intelligence in mediation practice, recent changes affecting mediated settlement agreements, and mediation-arbitration (“med-arb”).
The program will offer practical guidance attorneys can use to prepare for mediation, advocate effectively during the process and help move cases toward resolution.
The Florida Bar has approved this webinar for 1.5 General/0.5 Ethics credits of CLE.
Featured Presenters
Najla has extensive civil litigation experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants throughout Florida. Her practice has included personal injury, premises liability, automobile negligence, first-party property, commercial disputes and other complex civil matters. A University of Miami School of Law graduate, she is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and Certified Professional Coach, with additional training in communication and problem-solving.
John brings nearly four decades of civil trial experience to his ADR practice. A former senior partner and president of Dell Graham, P.A., he tried cases throughout Florida’s courts and maintained board certification in civil trial law for more than 30 years. Recognized by his peers through Super Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers, John transitioned to full-time mediation in 2022 and applies deep litigation insight and practical judgment to help parties achieve resolution.
Alan brings over 40 years of civil trial experience to his mediation practice, including substantial work in commercial litigation, representing both defendants and plaintiffs. He has been a Florida Bar board-certified civil trial lawyer since 1992 and is listed in Best Lawyers in America. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and Qualified Arbitrator. His broad practice has also included personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage, and probate and trust litigation.
Jeanne was a civil litigator for more than three decades, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts. Her practice has encompassed personal injury and torts, professional and products liability, construction defects, contractual disputes and intellectual property. A full-time neutral since 2023, she is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator who draws on extensive trial experience and a practical, creative approach to dispute resolution.
System Requirements
All you need is a smartphone to attend!
(800) 264-2622 | cklasne@uww-adr.com
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