separately certified as FINRA arbitrators . There are a number of folks with real property , probate and / or estate planning credentials . Several of our members are new to the Sarasota area , yet others have been practicing here for their entire professional lives . Some prefer to handle mediation in person , while others like to use Zoom . Many are quiet in their personal approach , and others are more outgoing . The variables , and hence the choices , are many .
Some mediators conduct pre-mediation calls and allow for , or encourage , informal discovery which may be helpful in reaching a possible settlement . Different mediators may request different submissions , such as formal statements , which may be shared with both parties . In making a mediator selection , it ’ s important to consider a mediator ’ s style – do they adopt a facilitative or evaluative approach and which approach do you feel has the best chance to produce a desired outcome in the particular case at hand ? Sometimes , a mediator ’ s experience in one matter will not be appropriate for or even necessarily translate to another case , nor will it be the best choice in view of the parties or participants involved . Consider in each case your client , the other party or parties and their counsel and think about what type of mediator may best achieve the desired outcomes . Any decision about which mediator to select should be made on all these variables .
Again , it ’ s “ horses for courses .”
If you ’ re in the market for a mediator or arbitrator , in addition to taking referrals from friends or colleagues , please also check out the listing on the SCBA website of the entire roster of certified and very qualified members of the SCBA ’ s ADR Section . While I know many counsels prefer to select someone recommended by their superiors or with whom they ’ ve worked successfully in the past , do consider whether these are the best mediator options for your current matter or whether , from among the SCBA ’ s broad roster of local talent , there are other options worth considering for a particular matter . �
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BANKRUPTCY
LAWYER Sherri L . Johnson
• 22 Years of Experience
• AV Rated Preeminent
• Super Lawyers ( 2015 – 20 )
• Past President of SCBA
• Past President of FAWL
• Master Emeritus , Judge John M . Scheb American Inn of Court
( 941 ) 926-1155 · sjohnson @ johnsonlegalfl . com www . SarasotaBankruptcyFirm . com
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