Presented by The Professional Mediation Institute (PMI)

Separate registration required.

Getting the Most out of Mediation: Tips and Tools for Everyone Interested in the Outcome

Monday, August 20, 2018

8:30 – 10:30 am
Grand Ballrooms 8A & 8B
Convention Level

Concurrent sessions to choose from:

Welcome and Introductions
Grand Ballroom 8A
Convention Level

Robin Caral Shaw, Attorney and Mediator
Chairperson PMI
Law Office of Robin Caral Shaw, PA
Boca Raton, FL

8:30 – 9:30 am
Breakout Session 6A
Negotiation: The Cornerstone of Mediation
(1 hour general)
Grand Ballroom 8A
Convention Level

Moderator:
Michele Mecca
Adjuster
Zurich American Insurance Company
Orlando, FL

Panel:
John P. Brooks, Attorney and State Mediator
Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims
Daytona, FL

Lori Pearson-Wise, Attorney
Law Office of Lori Pearson-Wise, PA
Orlando, FL

This diverse panel of experts will discuss how to effectively negotiate in the Workers’ Compensation arena to obtain the most satisfactory results for each party.

Welcome and Introductions
Grand Ballroom 8B
Convention Level

Stuart F. Suskin, Attorney and Mediator
Stuart F. Suskin Mediation
Gainesville, FL

8:30 – 9:30 am
Breakout Session 6B
Get Ready to Hit the Buzzer on Diversity!
(1 hour diversity)
Grand Ballroom 8B
Convention Level

Moderator:
Celia Mendez, Attorney and Mediator
Moreland & Mendez, PA
Orlando, FL

Panel:
Thomas C. Amore, Attorney and Mediator
Amore Mediations
Tampa, FL

AnnaMarie Kim-Miller, Attorney and State Mediator
Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims
Orlando, FL

This session will take an entertaining approach to learning about diversity. The presenters will incorporate game strategy to address diversity topics including race, culture, gender, disabilities, and other factors that make us all individuals.

9:30 – 10:30 am
Breakout Session 7A
Winning Tactics and Strategies for Adjusters and Attorneys
(1 hour ethics)
Grand Ballroom 8A
Convention Level

Moderator:
Stuart F. Suskin, Attorney and Mediator
Stuart F. Suskin Mediation
Gainesville, FL

Panel:
H. George Kagan, Attorney
H. George Kagan, PA
Gulf Stream, FL

Naomi Kuker
Adjuster
Gallagher Bassett
Miami, FL

Gina M. Jacobs, Attorney
Cole, Scott and Kissane, PA
Maitland, FL

This program will focus on common mistakes made by attorneys, adjusters, and corporate decision-makers when attending mediation. The panel of prominent and experienced attorneys, mediators, and adjusters will address various winning negotiation styles as well as some that are counter-productive or even disastrous. This session is a “must attend” for anyone who participates in mediation and wants to obtain the best possible outcome.

9:30 – 10:30 am
Breakout Session 7B
Mediating Non-Workers’ Compensation Areas of Insurance
(1 hour general)
Grand Ballroom 8B
Convention Level

Moderator:
Richard Thompson, Attorney
Vice President of Claims-Legal
Zenith Insurance Company
Sarasota, FL

Panel:
Jeff Taylor, Mediator
Taylor Insurance Consulting
Sarasota, FL

Christine L. Harter, Attorney
Mediation & Dispute Resolution Center
Ocala, FL

No claim should be analyzed in a vacuum. Workers’ compensation and other areas of the law intersect in the handling and outcome of a claim. Areas such as third-party recovery liens, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, discrimination claims, unemployment compensation, Medicare/Medicaid liens, private causes of action for double damages, and Social Security claims are just a few. This panel will explore some key issues mediation participants need to consider.