JUNE 2025 BAR BULLETIN JUNE 2025

ADR CORNER

Under the Umbrella of Alternative Dispute Resolution: Have You Considered Becoming an Ombuds?( Continued)

BRUCE BLITMAN

JEANNE MAES

You can check the internet using key words such as,‘ ombuds positions,’‘ organizations that use ombudspersons,’ and‘ finding ombuds jobs online.’ In my opinion, the best ways are through your personal networks. Nursing homes, schools, etc. use ombudspersons and you may have to start in a pro bono position just to get your name established as an ombudsperson.

Bruce: Can you recommend any specific organizations that provide training and educational opportunities to become an Ombuds?

Jeanne: Yes. The International Ombuds Association( https:// www. ombudsassociation. org /) is an excellent way to immerse yourself in what you need to know to be an ombudsperson.

Your mediation training is very useful; I also obtained a coaching certificate that has proven to be invaluable. I use the negotiation skills that I teach daily, and I highly recommend the book, Getting More by Stuart Diamond.

Bruce: Do you have any other recommendations to help our audience learn more about this unique branch of the Alternative Dispute Resolution profession? the U. S. and internationally.

Bruce A. Blitman is an attorney and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit and County Mediator( since 1989) and Family Mediator( since 1990) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For decades, Bruce has written and spoken extensively about the benefits of ADR. He can be reached at Babmediate @ aol. com.

For additional ADR tips and resources, go to www. palmbeachbar. org / alternativedispute-resolution-committee.

Renew & Refine Child Support Knowledge: A Refresher on Department of Revenue Administrative and Circuit Court Processes

PRESENTED BY THE PALM BEACH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION ' S UNIFIED FAMILY PRACTICE COMMITTEE

Jeanne: Shadow an ombudsperson or have one speak to your organization. Interview or visit ombudspersons at your local school or organizations in your community to learn more of their day-today duties.

HON. MAXINE WILLIAMS 15TH CIRCUIT PBC

HON. JANIE LOWE CRITTENDEN 15TH CIRCUIT PBC

HON. JAMES B. WILLIAMS, JR. 15TH CIRCUIT PBC

HON. SARA MARKEN 11TH CIRCUIT MIAMI-DADE

It is a very rewarding field, and I highly recommend it.

Jeanne D. Maes is a business professor at the University of South Alabama where she also serves as Ombudsperson. She specializes in organizational communication, negotiation, and alternative dispute resolution. A consultant, certified coach, facilitator, mediator, and executive trainer, she has worked with clients throughout

NICOLE HUNT JACKSON, ESQ. WILLIAM PURSELL, ESQ.

TRISHA ARMSTRONG

THE JACKSON FIRM, LLC FL DEPT OF REVENUE

SASSER, CESTERO & ROY

JUNE 2025 BAR BULLETIN JUNE 2025 | Page 8

ADR CORNER

ADR CORNER

Under the Umbrella of Alternative Dispute Resolution: Have You Considered Becoming an Ombuds?( Continued)

Renew & Refine Child Support Knowledge: A Refresher on Department of Revenue Administrative and Circuit Court Processes