“Come On Down!”

Okay – this isn’t The Price is Right although the price really is right as you will see; plus you don’t have to be from Florida to participate. Of course, if you are from Florida you already know you can submit workshop proposals – and please do.

The Dispute Resolution Center is now accepting workshop proposals for its 16th Annual Conference for Mediators and Arbitrators, August 23 - 25, 2007 in Orlando, Florida.

The goal of the Conference is to provide educational opportunities that will be of interest and benefit to professionals involved in the field of conflict resolution. Workshop proposals should be designed to enhance knowledge and skill levels for the seasoned practitioner.

Presenters selected for participation will be given a reduced Conference registration fee of $50.

Complete the Call for Proposals application and mail, email or fax it to the Dispute Resolution Center postmarked on or before February 1, 2007 [it’s not that far away]. A separate application must be submitted for each workshop. If you have questions, email Kimberly Kosch at koschk@flcourts.org.

A change from prior conferences is a revision in all individual workshops which will be 2.0 CME credits (as compared to 1.8 hours previously). This change will allow mediators to complete their 2 hour CME requirements in one workshop rather than having to take one plus workshops to get their 2.0 hours.

As in the past, the conference will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819 and the DRC Lodging Rate is $99.00. Here’s the number to call to make a reservation 1-800-204-7234.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.

We're Still Waiting!

Here’s an update on my prior post on the status of the requirements to become a Circuit Court Mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy has submitted to the Florida Supreme Court proposed amendments to the Florida Rules for Certified and Court Appointed Mediators. The committee proposes new rule 10.105, Point System Categories, and amendments to rule 10.100, Certification Requirements, that incorporate the recently adopted basic point requirements for certification as county, family, circuit, and dependency mediators. Essentially, the point system was removed from the Court’s Administrative Order and incorporated into the Rules.

Consistent with the Court’s prior opinion, the proposed amendments to rule 10.100(d), Circuit Court Mediators, include the requirement of Florida Bar membership that was retained by the Court until it could consider requested input from The Florida Bar on the requirement. The committee continues to urge the removal of the Florida Bar membership requirement. The Bar takes the position that the requirement of Florida Bar membership should be retained for circuit court mediators, but that the applicant also should be required to have been a member of The Florida Bar or other bar jurisdiction, in good standing, for the five years immediately preceding an application.

The Court invites all interested persons to comment on the committee's proposed amendments.

Please submit your comments.

To email me, click Perry S. Itkin.