Mediation and Arbitration

Mediation and arbitration serve as efficient, cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation for resolving a wide range of disputes. While mediation emphasizes collaboration and mutual agreement, arbitration provides a binding resolution determined by a neutral third party. Together, these approaches cover a broad spectrum of civil litigation matters, including:

Florida’s Mandatory Mediation: Opportunity and Challenge

In the state of Florida, a mandatory settlement conference (mediation) is required by every judge before a case goes to trial. This brings with it both an opportunity and a challenge. Clearly, the opportunity is the settlement of the case—without lengthy and costly litigation. However, the challenge is that the settlement conference typically lasts only one-half to one full day.

It takes an exceptionally skilled mediator to assure that the parties make the most of this time. Often, one or more of the parties will not grasp the uncertainties and risks involved in taking a case to trial. This is true no matter how far apart the parties are or how complex the matter may be. The right mediator provides a healthy “reality check” while at the same time opening up a far wider range of settlement options than the parties previously considered or embraced.

Experience That Drives Resolution

Gary Mansfield, David Stone, and Anita Paoli are certified by the Florida Supreme Court as Circuit Court Mediators. (The Circuit Court is the highest trial court in Florida, handling the largest and highest dollar value cases in the state.) Further, Anita is President and Gary is Vice-President of the Association of South Florida Mediators & Arbitrators (ASFMA). And Gary and David’s extensive trial experience means that they quickly ascertain the plusses and risks of each side’s case—issues that mediators who have not appeared before juries can easily miss.

In private caucus with each side, they raise and discuss the pros and cons of each party’s position that they might not otherwise take into account. They will also bring to bear creative solutions to the problem at the core of the dispute.

A mediator with these levels of experience imparts tremendous insight to the mediation. Anita, Gary and David’s skillful guidance equips each party to evaluate all sides of the case, consider innovative solutions, and finalize the negotiations from a neutral and realistic position.

Types of Disputes We Resolve

Why Mediation and Arbitration?

Mediation is a guided negotiation, less formal and more collaborative. Arbitration, by contrast, resembles a private trial and often results in a binding decision that both parties must follow. Though distinct in structure, both are forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that offer efficient, confidential paths to resolving conflict—without the cost, delay, and uncertainty of courtroom litigation.

Call Mansfield, Bronstein & Stone, LLP today at 954-601-5600 or see our other contact options further below. Our experienced mediators and arbitrators are ready to guide your ADR process with clarity, objectivity, and proven insight.