Hybrid Is Not Just A Motor Vehicle!

Are you a Med-Arbitrator? [Why?] Would you serve in the dual capacity of mediator and arbitrator in the same matter? [Why?] Or, to misquote Harry Callahan “Do you feel lucky?” [You know, as in Clint Eastwood’s movie Dirty Harry].

The hybrid ADR process med-arb was recently recognized by the Ontario Court of Appeal case Marchese v. Marchese, (2007), 35 R.F.L. (6th) 291 in which a contractual agreement to engage in med-arb was not only recognized but also enforced. The agreement provided that the parties would attend “mediation/arbitration” [note the slash mark] with the same individual. The court stated:

We do not agree with the submission that there is any ambiguity in the words“mediation/arbitration” or that those words mean “mediation or arbitration.” Mediation/arbitration is a well recognized legal term of art referring to a hybrid dispute resolution process in which the named individual acts first as a mediator and, failing agreement, then proceeds to conduct an arbitration.

While the hybrid process is valid, how it is implemented is critical. I believe it is improvident for the same individual to serve in the dual role [there’s opportunity for co-ADR neutrals here]. Florida’s Mediator Ethics Advisory Committee issued an opinion in an analogous situation, MEAC Opinion 96-002, and opined that by accepting an appointment as Special Master after having served as a mediator in the same matter, the mediator places mediator integrity and impartiality at risk. I also believe that, after the issuance of the opinion, changes to the 2006 Florida’s Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators and the 2004 Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act do not alter the wisdom of the opinion.

The highest number of grievances filed against mediators in Florida is lack of impartiality – think about the consequences of serving as a mediator and, notwithstanding party agreement, thereafter serving the same parties in the same case as the arbitrator. For example, what about the confidential information you’ve learned in caucus outside the presence of the other party – the out of caucus party won’t know about that information – any problem here? Think about party perspective!

So, what are you thinking, “do you feel lucky?!?” If you have a different view, please share it with me.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

Brenda Mae Tarpley’s Negotiation Technique and Sanctions!

Who?!? Okay, how about Brenda Lee [her real name is Brenda Mae Tarpley]? You remember her number one 1960’s hit “I’m Sorry” – please say yes! No, okay then how about remembering 1960 as the year Elvis was promoted to Sergeant in the U.S. Army and 2 months later was discharged and returned home.

Anyway, in case you don’t remember the song, or you’d like some nostalgia, you can listen to it here – in part or in whole – or you might prefer just reading the lyrics.

Or . . . you might return to 2008 and learn what happened to the lawyer who, notwithstanding his apology to the Court for admittedly violating the U.S. District Court’s order relating to the confidentiality of mediation sessions, was held in contempt in the Memorandum Opinion in Williams, et al. v. Johanns, et al., 2008 WL 36633 (D.D.C., January 2, 2008).

The judge succinctly highlighted the critical nature of confidentiality in mediation.

To email me click, Perry S. Itkin.

An Immunity Booster!

Florida Statute 44.107 provides immunity for mediators and mediator trainees in court-ordered and noncourt-ordered mediations. In court-ordered mediations the mediator has “judicial immunity in the same manner and to the same extent as a judge.” In noncourt-ordered mediations the mediator has a qualified “immunity from liability arising from the performance of that person's duties while acting within the scope of the mediation function. . . .”

Although there are no Florida cases interpreting the mediator’s judicial immunity, here’s a New Jersey case, Malik v. Ruttenberg, et al., 398 N.J. Super. 489; 942 A.2d 136 [App. Div. 2008] which determined that an arbitrator [substitute mediator for our purposes] cannot be liable for an attorney’s alleged attack on a party during a recess during the proceeding.

The New Jersey Arbitration Act, adopted from the model act developed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, provides that an arbitrator “is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a court of this State acting in a judicial capacity”, N.J.S.A. 2A:23B-14.

Remember, in Florida “[t]he mediator shall at all times be in control of the mediation and the procedures to be followed in the mediation” Fla. R. Civ. Pro. 1.720(c) and Fla. Fam. Law R. Pro. 12.741(b)(4).

It is critical that you read this important case which is the first in the United States to interpret the immunity provision. Also, this article in the New Jersey Law Journal is worth reading as well.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

Warning – A Kvetch Can Be Dangerous!

Do you have mediator professional liability insurance? If not, why not? If yes, well . . . .

According to this article in the New Jersey Law Journal, the question could be posed another way: How angry do clients have to get before attorneys [substitute ‘mediators’] must warn insurers a suit is possible?

In the ongoing litigation in General Star National Insurance Co. v. Law Offices of Robert A. Olkowitz, P.C., 07-5433, the insurance company asked a federal judge to rule it doesn't have to cover or defend its insured personal injury lawyer in a malpractice case because he didn’t notify the company when a client expressed displeasure with a settlement.

The attorney filed a motion to dismiss asking the judge to declare that a client’s expression of “displeasure” does not, as a matter of law, trigger the responsibility to put a malpractice carrier on notice.

Hmmm!!! Something for mediators to think about. The article is well worth reading!

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

Florida Supreme Court Removes Bar Membership Requirement for Circuit Court Mediators!

Wow!!! On November 15th the Florida Supreme Court issued In Re: Petition Of The Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules And Policy Committee On Amendments To Florida Rules For Certified And Court-Appointed Mediators, 2007 Fla. LEXIS 2172 [Fla. 2007] in which it amended the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators to provide a true point-based mediator certification system by removing The Florida Bar membership requirement for certified Circuit Court Mediators!!!

What a marvelous opportunity for those without legal training, as well as for those who are members of the bar in jurisdictions other than Florida, to become a certified Circuit Court Mediator!

The Court also recognized that there may be situations where one party to a Circuit Court mediation may object to the appointment of a mediator who lacks legal training and if that occurs, the trial court must appoint a mediator who is also a member of The Florida Bar. Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.720(f)(2) was amended to reflect this requirement.

Please take the time to read this incredibly important opinion – you’ll be glad you did!!!

Also, if you have any questions please get in touch with me.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

Mediation Math: Pressure To Go To Mediation + Ineffective Assistance of Counsel = Zero!

How about that?!? Take a look at D.B. v. W.J.P., 32 Fla. L. Weekly D 1737 [Fla. 5th DCA 2007]. This court ordered dependency mediation resulted in an agreement in which the paternal grandmother was given temporary custody of her grandchild. Before the court entered its order approving the agreement, the biological mother objected arguing [1] she was pressured into going to mediation and [2] that she had received incompetent legal advice.

The Fifth District Court of Appeal reversed the trial judge’s order awarding custody to the grandmother because, among other reasons, the biological mother withdrew her consent to the agreement prior to the entry of the court order and she was entitled to a hearing. There’s more to this opinion which is worthwhile reading – i.e., collateral attacks on mediated settlement agreements [although it’s addressed in a footnote] as well as the rights of biological parents versus grandparents.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

Seriously – We Need Your Help With This!

The Florida Supreme Court’s Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy is considering some options to address the issue created by the adoption of Florida’s “Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act”, sections 44.401- 44.406, of Chapter 44, Florida Statutes, in relation to the reporting of a failure of a party to appear pursuant to court rules (See Rule 1.720(b), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure; Rule 8.290(l), Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure [PDF only]; and Rule 12.741, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure).

The problem: Party representatives are showing up at court-ordered mediations without the authority to settle the case as required by the Florida Rules of Procedure (and Mediation Referral Orders entered by the presiding judge). Procedures to sanction or deter this behavior are frustrated by the “Florida Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act,” which prohibits both the mediator and mediation participants from revealing mediation communications. The fact that a party has appeared at the mediation without adequate authority cannot come to the attention of the court. Take a look at MEAC 2006-003.

Here’s where you can help: The ADR Rules and Policy Committee have come up with two possible alternatives to address this issue and would like your comments. Please follow this link to view two proposals and please provide your input.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

The “Emperor’s New Clothes” and Mediation!

Guido and Luigi Farabutto were the world’s first pre-suit mediators! Who, you ask, are they? These men were the tailors [swindlers, actually] made famous by Hans Christian Anderson and who made the Emperor’s “new clothes” [pre-suit – get it?!?] Okaaaaaaaay!?!

Well, the Florida Legislature actually gave us some good ideas in the newly amended mandatory pre-suit mediation protocol for community association – parcel owner disputes, F.S. 720.311.

You might find useful information to include in your confirmation letter [you do use one, don’t you?!?] such as mediation advance deposits [excellent choice!] and preparation time. Anyway, these are some things to think about.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.