“Mediation” involves a process whereby a neutral third person, called a mediator, acts to encourage, and facilitate the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is an informal and non-adversarial process with the objective of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement. In mediation, decision-making authority rests with the parties. The role of the mediator includes assisting the parties in identifying issues, fostering joint problem-solving, and exploring settlement alternatives.

~

In marked contrast, under Florida law, “Arbitration” means a process whereby a neutral third person or panel, called an arbitrator or arbitration panel considers the facts and arguments presented by the parties and

renders a decision that may be binding or nonbinding based on the parties’ agreement.

It is a smart decision for you to resolve your disputes through the mediation elude of a judge who doesn't know you. Patricia Dawson provides you with a safe and calm environment to maintain dignity, respect, and control over the dispute resolution process.

Some of the benefits of mediation include:

​

 The parties alone control the process; they decide whether to resolve the

dispute.

 The parties are not stuck with decisions by the judge or jury.

 The parties are heard by a neutral third party.

 Mediation can facilitate direct communication between the parties.

 Mediation provides an earlier opportunity to resolve disputes.

 The parties fashion their own remedies and are not necessarily bound by

what a judge or jury would do.

 Mediation presents an opportunity to save time, cost, and stress.

 Mediation presents an opportunity to explore and evaluate the strengths

and theories of each party’s case.

 Mediation allows the parties to resolve some issues and therefore

streamline any trial which requires the resolution of purely legal issues.

 Mediation is an informal process.

Because we conduct our mediation conferences virtually, we are prepared to mediate any case throughout the state. Some mediation can be conducted in person at the Law Office of Patricia Dawson.

The objective is to empower parties to find individualized, creative solutions that address their specific needs. The mediator's aim is to listen to the parties’ differing points of view, facilitate the mediation process in an unbiased manner, and help facilitate an amicable resolution.

Recognizing the complexity of coordinating the schedules of parties; thus,

mediation can be scheduled via the calendar. If you have questions please call or call Patricia Dawson at 813-386-5730

There will be a fee of $250.00 per hour for the two (2) hour minimum for

mediations reserved for half a day and four (4) hour minimum charge for

mediations reserved for a full day and $300.00 per hour after the two (2) or four

(4) hour minimum. After the two (2) hours minimum for half day and four (4) hour

minimum for full day the fee calculation is billed to the nearest half hour. Please

contact the Mediator for multiparty mediation fees with more than two (2)

parties.

The mediation fees include time spent in the matter including but not limited to

preparation for the mediation, time spent in the mediation, time spent in

conferences with attorneys, each party and/or parties, telephone conversations,

follow-up, etc.

The fees are as stated unless governed by court order, regulation, or agency

order.

There will be a fee of $300.00 per hour for the two (2) hour minimum for

mediations reserved for half a day and four (4) hour minimum charge for

mediations reserved for a full day and $350.00 per hour after the two (2) hour or

four (4) hour minimum. After the two (2) hours minimum for half day and four (4)

hour minimum for full day the fee calculation is billed to the nearest half hour.

Please contact the Mediator for multiparty mediation fees with more than two (2)

parties.

The mediation fees include time spent in the matter including but not limited to

preparation for the mediation, time spent in the mediation, time spent in

conferences with attorneys, each party and/or parties, telephone conversations,

follow-up, etc.

The fees are as stated unless governed by court order, regulation, or agency

order.

Recognizing the complexity of coordinating the schedules of parties; thus, a mediation can be scheduled via the calendar.

Zoom is the virtue platform used for the mediation. Zoom is easy to use on

various devices, computers, mobile phones, and tablets. Also, the Zoom platform

closely resembles in-person mediation because it allows the mediator to converse

with the parties together and separately in breakout rooms.

Per Zoom’s website, meetings are encrypted using 256-bit Advanced Encryption

Standard. In addition, Zoom provides that there is “End-to-end Encryption, when

enabled, ensures that communication between all meeting participants in a given

meeting is encrypted using cryptographic keys known only to the devices of those

participants. This ensures that no third party -- including Zoom -- has access to the

meeting’s private keys.” For more information on Zoom’s security go to the link

listed below.

https://explore.zoom.us/en/trust/security/

The security precautions the mediator takes in hosting your mediation (pre-

scheduled meeting with password protection; audit of attendees via Waiting

Room; meeting lock down) ensure that it’s virtually impossible for third parties to

listen-in or gain access to audio or video content.

A Notice of Cancellation or postponement must be received three (3) business

days in advance of the scheduled mediation date. Otherwise, there will be a

charge for two (2) hours per half day reserved and four (4) hours per full day

reserved. The Parties will be billed an equal share. However, if one party wants to

proceed and the other party does not want to proceed with the mediation, the

mediator reserves the right to assign some or all of the cancellation or

postponement fee against the party(s) who request the cancellation or

postponement.

Please use the below Request for Mediation Form for after hour or weekend

virtual Mediation. Please fill out the Request for Mediation Form and indicate the

scheduling options. Mediation may be scheduled for a full day, half day, or two (2)

hour virtual Mediation sessions. When the mediator receives the mediation

request an email of possible dates and times will be forward, the dates will be

held for 72 hours. If you are not able to respond within 72 hours, please call the

mediator to determine if the dates are still available or to obtain additional

mediation dates. If the parties need and/or want specifics dates and time frames,

please indicate this in the “Details” box. Also, if parties have agreed on a date and

time, please indicate this in the “Details” box.

Once the parties have selected a mediation date a confirmation email must be

forward to the mediator. The confirmation email must indicate if the mediation is

for two (2) hours, a half day, or full day, the style of the case, the county of the

court proceedings, list all parties involved, the parties contact information, and

parties involved must be included in the confirmation email string.

Once the date is confirmed by all parties a Mediation Email and Mediation

Engagement Agreement will be forwarded to the attorneys/Pro se parties.